Sunweb’s Edo Maas has shared a video of himself taking his first steps since losing the feeling in his legs, assisted by a set of bionic limbs.
The 19-year-old Dutchman was told he may never walk again after he was hit by a car that entered the course during an under-23 race last October.
Maas suffered a fractured vertebrae in the collision and has been battling to recover as best as he can.
On Monday (January 13), he shared a video of himself walking with the assistance of technology that supports him as he takes steps.
The Free Bionics Free Walk is an exoskeleton system that has been designed by for anyone with lower limb weakness that prevents them from walking.
Thanks to the technology, people who are normally unable to walk can stand, move and sit down.
In an Instagram post in December, Maas said: “The hard reality at the moment.
“The last two months have been hard and the coming time will be hard, but it has also been special. So much love.
“Without you I wouldn’t be pushing myself up again in the gym.”
The latest video shows Maas taking a handful of steps with the bionic legs, a pair of crutches and two helpers assisting him with his balance.
His injuries were suffered as he was descending the famous Madonna del Ghisallo during Il Piccolo Lombardia in October.
He was rushed to hospital with fractures to his neck, back and face, and was unconscious for a number of days.
Shortly after the fall, Sunweb released a statement announcing that Maas had lost feeling in his legs and may never walk again.
The team also called on the UCI to improve race safety.
Maas joined the Sunweb development squad at the start of 2019, having impressed with victory in the junior E3 Harelbeke in 2017.
He joined the team with the intention of going on to ride the Belgian Classics, while balancing racing with his studies of physiotherapy.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
I rode the 352-mile Unbound XL gravel race so you don't have to
Our North American Editor raced the 352-mile Unbound Gravel race and recounts her utterly Type 2 adventure.
-
Tour de France: Unchained review - Tense and insightful must-see television
Netflix does it again with its behind-the-scenes Tour de France documentary, although Tadej Pogačar's absence is notable
-
Leo Hayter leaves DSM Development Team early to join Hagens Berman Axeon
British U23 time trial champion moves to American development squad after split opinion over future
-
Cees Bol: Negative comments from unamed DSM riders 'difficult to read'
Dutch sprinter says that it is difficult to read criticisms of the team
-
Romain Bardet says leaving DSM riders' comments 'not easy to understand' after 'Soviet regime' remarks
Multiple riders have broken their contracts over the years with an unnamed rider calling it a "Soviet regime"
-
'The hardest and easiest decision I've had to make': Nicholas Roche retires after 17 years
The Irishman has raced for some of the biggest names in cycling throughout his career
-
Team DSM rider files police complaint after being throttled by angry motorist
The driver is said to have objected to the cyclist riding side-by-side with another rider
-
Marc Hirschi to earn 14 times his Sunweb salary at UAE Team Emirates, according to reports
'Sometimes he had the feeling that he was suffocating' a family member of the Swiss rider said
-
Homework, punishments and limited massages: Did the strict rules at Team DSM contribute to Hirschi's departure?
Claims of a strict regime at Team DSM are said to have contributed to a number of star riders moving on to pastures new
-
Marc Hirschi leaves Team DSM with immediate effect
Marc Hirschi has terminated his contract with Team DSM to join an, as of yet, unknown team
