“Fast Freddie” Rodriguez is sore but recovering at his home in Girona, Spain, after taking a header onto the pavement during Stage 3 at the Tour de France.
The Emeryville, California, sprinter suffered a concussion on Tuesday after he hit a pothole in some road construction in Verviers, also injuring his shoulder and hand. He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance.
At his Fred Rodriguez blog at Active.com, he writes:
My head injury seems to be coming along with no complications other than some swelling in the face. … Shoulder is still not very mobile but getting easier to get out of bed.
Immediately after the crash, 32-year-old Rodriguez said he feared it might have been a career-ending accident. Fortunately, he's getting better.
His crash Tuesday came the day after he led out Davitamon-Lotto teammate Robbie McEwen for his first stage win. On Wednesday, the day after the crash, McEwen honored Rodriguez by dedicating his second stage victory to him. McEwen won again Friday.
Erik Dekker went down alongside Rodriguez as they both hit a road-construction pothole that had been left uncovered. Apparently McEwen just missed it, but didn't have time to call out a warning before the other two hit it. He describes the 40 mph crash and his initial reaction at his blog.
The 3-time US Pro cycling champion is a sprint specialist who was racing in his 6th Tour de France. Outside of pro cycling, he's created the Fast Freddie Foundation to help young cyclists pursue a career in cycling. The foundation is currently working on a project with the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League that encourages high schools around the state to incorporate cycling teams into their sports programs.
For more information, check the Fast Freddie Foundation. Also you can drop a line to Rodriguez at his blog.
Here's hoping he makes a fast recovery and returns to the peloton soon.
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