Martin looks for silver lining after Giro crash puts brakes on season
The Garmin-SHARP rider came down hard less than 15 minutes into stage one when he slammed into a sunken manhole cover and subsequently lost his balance.
The Irishman would fall and three of his team-mates also came down, with Koldo Fernandez suffering an identical injury.
Both are currently recovering at home.
“It is too early for the team to make any decisions on their race programmes. The health of our athletes is our top priority and right now we are focused on their recovery,” a team statement read.
Martin himself said: “Now that the dust has settled on my operation I’ve been able to look back on the Giro start in Belfast with obviously incredible memories of the team presentation, the team work, the camaraderie of my team and the incredible noise and support enjoyed in the TTT [team time trial].
“Unfortunately my Giro was cut short by an accident that we were lucky to come away with relatively light injuries, collarbone fractures for myself and Koldo. Once more, the spirit of this team through such hardships has blown me away and I’m confident the remaining seven riders will go on to do incredible things during the remaining three weeks.
“For myself and Koldo, we were successfully operated on [on] Sunday and are on the road to recovery, with a steady supply of treats and hugs for us both from the team, my family and friends from cycle4life.
“It’s the first time I’ve broken a bone but I’m certain to bounce back better then ever with the circle of support I’ve had. As always I strive to find the silver lining. Success will be even sweeter later in the year after such a rough period the last few weeks. Have to take the downs with the ups in this sport so time for a mental reset and I’ll be back.
“Thanks again to everybody and I look forward to watching Garmin-SHARP rip up the Italian roads over the next three weeks!”
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