"Just 4 months ago I was in ICU" - Jay Vine's incredible recovery completes with stunning Vuelta a Burgos stage win

It genuinely isn't overblown to say that the injuries sustained by UAE Team Emirates' Jay Vine in the horrific Itzulia Basque Country crash could have not only ended his career, but ended his life. In his first race back though, it has taken just four stages for the Australian to announce his return with a stunning win at the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos.

For those unaware, Vine would prove to be one of the worst affected in the crash that also saw the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel sent to hospital. He suffered three fractured vertebrae after crashing into a concrete ditch which left him in need of serious medical attention and caused him to be wearing a neck brace for six weeks, missing out on the Giro d'Italia, where he had been planned to race.

“I feel pretty incredible. I’m really happy with how the legs are going especially in my first race back after injury," the UAE Team Emirates man reflected after his time trial victory in Burgos via the official team website. "It’s been a long way back since the crash. My wife has been so supportive and patient during the whole time and the team has been in constant contact to try and get me ready and back to health. Just 4 months ago I was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit ed.) not so far from here and to be back here on the top step of a podium is incredible."

As an added bonus, Vine and his partner Bre is set to give birth very soon, extending the family's numbers. "In a few days my wife is due to give birth to our first born so it’s just a really special time in my life right now,” concludes Vine.

Notably, Sepp Kuss retains the overall lead in Burgos after the time-trial although the Team Visma | Lease a Bike has seen his advantage cut to just 5 seconds ahead of Max Poole in the general classification.