UPDATE: Julian Mertens undertook first surgery, team confirms that the rider was concious after the accident

Julian Mertens had successful surgery on his spine on Thursday, but remains in an induced coma. His team, Bingoal WB has announced this in a new statement.

Mertens was involved in a training accident on Wednesday and was immediately taken to the Antwerp University Hospital. He has been kept in an induced coma ever since. In addition to back surgery, 25-year-old Mertens will undergo another procedure on his jaw later that day.

Bingoal WB reports that Mertens also suffered fractures to his arm and ribs. Depending on his progress, the professional cyclist will be kept in a coma for several days.

Bingoal WB team manager Christophe Brandt gave more information about the situation of Julian Mertens at Het Nieuwsblad on Wednesday. “He has suffered some fractures, but it is still unclear which one. In addition, he has a severe concussion and a collapsed lung, which is the reason for his artificial coma. Julian was certainly still conscious when he was taken away. We don't know yet whether it was a collision or a training accident," says Brandt.