The Belgian cyclist, Kris Boeckmans, is in an induced coma after crashing on the eighth stage of the Tour of Spain.
"Kris Boeckmans has a severe facial trauma with several fractures and will probably need surgery," his Belgian team Lotto-Soudal said on their Twitter feed.
"He has concussion, 3 broken ribs and bleeding in his lung. He is now being kept in an induced coma for a few days."
Boeckmans was one of several riders to crash with about 50-km left in the stage won by Belgian Jasper Stuyven of the Trek Factory team.
The Vuelta a España's eighth stage from Puebla de Don Fadrique to Murcia is a 182.5 kilometre ride.
The Colombian, Esteban Chaves, of Orica-GreenEDGE retained the overall leader's red jersey, fighting his way back into the main pack after being caught on the wrong end of a split following the big pile-up.
Johan Esteban CHAVES RUBIO celebrates his stage 2 victory, Vuelta Espan, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
