Swiss cyclist Yanis Berthoud seriously injured in training accident

Yanis Berthoud, a 16-year-old Swiss junior cyclist riding for JEGG-SKIL-DJR—a team closely linked to Visma | Lease a Bike—sustained serious spinal cord injuries during a training accident in Switzerland.

During a time trial training session on Tuesday, August 4, Berthoud collided with the rear of a car that he reportedly did not see. While he remained conscious immediately following the impact, he informed bystanders that he could no longer feel his legs.

Berthoud was treated at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), where he underwent two operations. His condition has since stabilized, allowing for his transfer to the Swiss Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil, a facility specializing in spinal cord injury and rehabilitation. Due to his age, an exception was made to admit him to the center.

His father, Eric Berthoud, stated that swelling (edema) around the spinal cord is currently making it difficult for doctors to assess the full extent of any permanent neurological damage. It may take several weeks or months for the swelling to subside before a clearer prognosis can be provided.