Steff Cras leaves hospital one week after Itzulia crash left him with collapsed lung and broken vertebrae

For the first time since being badly caught up in the horror crash on stage 4 of the 2024 Itzulia Basque Country, TotalEnergies' Steff Cras has now left hospital.

In the incident, the 28-year-old Belgian suffered numerous injuries including a collapsed lung, several broken ribs and two broken vertebrae. "It's getting better and better," says Cras in a press release from his team after being discharged on Thursday.

"I would have been dead if I’d fallen 20cm further away" - Steff Cras feared death after Itzulia crash and 'couldn't breathe for thirty seconds'

"After examinations in Belgium, the results of the scans are more positive. The pain is still there, but it is getting less every day," he continues optimistically. "My lungs are also doing better. I am happy with the progress and mentally I am still determined. I hope for a prosperous rehabilitation so that I can return to competition quickly. My goals for the season remain achievable."

Cras has had incredibly bad luck with injuries over recent seasons. Hopefully, a full recovery is on the cards and the talented TotalEnergies climber get back to competing at his very best level sooner rather than later.