Driver Almost Runs Over Pro Cyclist, Then Attacks And Hospitalizes Him

Colombian pro cyclist Daniel Martinez was hospitalized earlier today after reportedly suffering a serious head injury in a violent confrontation with a dickhead driver. Martinez, who just took a surprising seventh place at the Volta a Catalunya, was on a training ride in Tuscany with EF Education First-Drapac teammate Julián Cardona and former Wilier Triestina teammate Miguel Eduardo Florez when the driver nearly ran them off the road. When Martinez yelled at the driver, he went ballistic.

“I was training in Italy and a car practically tried to kill us. We protested and he went crazy. He got out and attacked me. He punched me on the jaw and knocked me out. He broke one of my friends’ lip and then ran away,” Martinez told El Tiempo.

Martinez is apparently suffering amnesia, per his coach, and doesn’t remember which team he currently rides for:

I’ve called Dani, he seems OK and he recognized my voice but admitted that he can’t remember anything from the last few months, including his recent good ride at the Volta a Catalunya or his move from Wilier to EF Education First. He’s in hospital for further checks.

None of the riders got a view of the car’s license plate. The condition of Martinez is not exactly clear yet, but EF Education First-Drapac staff are reportedly en route to see him.