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Scenes after the collapse in Catalonia
Photo: Toni Albir/EPA
Italian cycling star Sonny Colbrelli has had a defibrillator installed after collapsing from heart problems.
This was announced by his team Bahrain Victorious.
After the successful operation, which according to his team was already carried out on Thursday, the 31-year-old left the hospital in Padua.
“The decision to implant this life-saving device was made in consultation with Colbrelli.
With this device, in extreme cases, the heart rhythm can be corrected if necessary,” said Professor Domenico Corrado, who coordinated the driver's treatment.
Colbrelli will continue his recovery at home.
On March 21, the Paris-Roubaix winner lost consciousness after crossing the finish line of the opening stage of the Tour of Catalonia in Sant Feliu de Guixols and had to be resuscitated.
"It's a miracle that I'm still alive, now I need another one to get back in the saddle," Colbrelli told the Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport".
It is unclear whether the European champion can actually continue his career.
Colbrelli should no longer race in Italy and may no longer be active under the license of his home country.
Legally, professional athletes with defibrillators are not allowed to compete in Italy.
This regulation had recently influenced the further career of footballer Christian Eriksen.
bka/dpa/sid