Spanish pro transferred to specialist neurological hospital 50 days after training crash

Jaume Guardeño, a promising young rider for Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, has been transferred to the Guttmann Clinic in Barcelona, a specialist neurological hospital, 50 days after a severe training accident. The 23-year-old Spaniard suffered critical head injuries when he collided with a car during a training ride on 31 March, shortly after completing the Volta a Catalunya. Initially airlifted to Parc Taulí Hospital in Sabadell, Guardeño spent over two weeks in intensive care before the recent transfer to focus on neurorehabilitation. The team confirmed that Guardeño’s injuries remain serious, though no further medical details have been released. Caja Rural-Seguros RGA expressed their ongoing support for the rider and his family during this challenging period, also extending gratitude to the medical teams involved in his care and transfer. Special recognition was given to the emergency helicopter service, intensive care unit staff, and neurosurgery and maxillofacial teams who have managed his treatment since the crash. Guardeño was regarded as a key figure for Caja Rural’s ambitions this season, expected to lead the team in their first Tour de France appearance as a wildcard entrant. His rising career included a notable 14th place finish at the Vuelta a España last year and a solid 29th overall at the Volta a Catalunya just days before the accident. Reports suggest the crash occurred after Guardeño struck a rock while descending, causing him to lose control and collide with a vehicle, resulting in his critical condition. The incident has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for the Tour de France and highlighted the risks professional cyclists face during training. As Guardeño begins his rehabilitation, the cycling community will be watching closely, hoping for his recovery and eventual return to competition. Caja Rural-Seguros RGA’s commitment to supporting their rider underscores the solidarity within the sport in times of adversity.