Camaño - I couldn't feel my legs

Iker Camaño has found success since joining current outfit NetApp-Endura three years ago, but the Basque all-rounder got one of the biggest scares of his life earlier this month.

On the second stage of the Circuit de la Sarthe, the former Euskaltel and Saunier Duval stalwart came a cropper. As the peloton was cruising along at 55 clicks an hour, a major crash took out the 34-year-old.

"A crash took place on the left side of the road. A rider to the left of me tried to avoid it, but we got tangled up in each other and I lost control. Like a car without breaks, we both went straight towards a ditch without control", he told Deia. "I collided into an embankment. I fell face first and took a hit to the chest. My legs were pointing upwards and my body was shaped like a 'u'.

"I was scared at first, as I couldn't feel my legs. The hit I took to the chest was also quite strong, so I thought I had broken a rib. I was in incredible pain".

Team-mate Davíd de la Cruz was on the scene and called an ambulance, and it quickly became apparent the injuries weren't as serious as first feared.

"To not feel your legs and stuff like that... That's scary, but it wasn't that bad. Once I got into the ambulance I realized I could move my legs, and I didn't break any ribs. I still can't believe who I didn't fracture a rib."

As it turned out, Camaño "only" suffered a dislocated shoulder and a host of micro-fractures to his humerus bone in his leg. He won't need an operation, but was told to wear his arm in a cast for four weeks.

The pain has diminished greatly, he says, but he still struggles to sleep for three consecutive hours. Alas, a return to competition is still some way off.

"My idea was to be back in time for the Tour of California on May 12, but that seems to be a bit premature. The less time spent on the sidelines, the better, but most of all I just want my injuries to heal properly", he concluded.

Photo: www.owenphilipson.com