Image: Axeon Hagens Berman
21-year-old Axeon Hagens Berman rider Chad Young is 'not expected to recover' from head injuries he sustained in a high-speed crash at the Tour of the Gila, his team have said.
The incident happened during the US race's fifth stage, when Young crashed along with a few other riders on a mountain descent. While his teammate Jhonatan Narvaez went on to win the stage, Young was airlifted to hospital in Tucson, Arizona, and was later said to be in a 'stable condition' by his Axeon team.
However, in a statement today, general manager Axel Merckx said: 'There have been conflicting news reports concerning the condition of Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling Team rider Chad Young, who crashed Sunday in the Tour of the Gila. Unfortunately, Chad is not expected to recover from his injuries.'
'At this time, his family asks for privacy. We at Axeon Hagens Berman respect the family's wishes and want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating and difficult time.'