Matt Brammeier seriously injured in collision with car during Tour of Utah

Irish pro Matt Brammeier (MTN-Qhubeka) was seriously injured after crashing into a service car during stage six of the Tour of Utah on Saturday.

Brammeier was attempting to chase back to the peloton on a descent when he collided with the service car, causing fractures to his ribs and pelvis, as well as internal injuries.

MTN-Qhubeka team medic Dr Jarrad van Zuydam said in a statement:

"Matt Brammeier was involved in a high speed collision with a vehicle during the queen stage of the Tour of Utah. Thankfully, Matt has suffered no head, neck or spinal injuries and is currently stable in hospital. His musculoskeletal injuries are significant, however.

"He suffered rib fractures on both sides as well as a small pneumothorax. He also has fractures of the sacral and pelvic bones. Matt is unlikely to require surgery but will need some time to recover from his injuries."

The 30-year-old posted a photo of himself in hospital on Twitter, saying "All good in the hood. Thanks for the messages".

Brammeier signed with the South African team for the 2015 season, and has previously ridden for several teams including HTC-Highroad and Omega Pharma-QuickStep. He was Irish national road race champion for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013, and Irish time trial champion in 2011.

Brammeier suffered serious injury in 2007, when he was hit by a cement mixing lorry, breaking both his legs. Despite initially being told he may never rider again, Brammeier returned to racing around five months later.