
Italy: Sports legend Alex Zanardi in artificial coma after handbike crash
Four-time Paralympic champion and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi has been placed in an artificial coma, as confirmed by doctors in Siena on Saturday, after suffering severe head injuries in a cycling race accident.
According to reports, the 53-year-old athlete crossed the path of a lorry while taking part in the 'Obiettivo tricolore' relay race on his handbike on Friday.
Zanardi was brought to the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital in Siena where he underwent a neurological surgery for a 'severe head injury.'
In September 2001, Zanardi lost both of his legs in a race-car crash at Lausitzring in Germany. After recovery, he returned to F1 for one season and also took up handbike racing.

Four-time Paralympic champion and former Formula One driver Alex Zanardi has been placed in an artificial coma, as confirmed by doctors in Siena on Saturday, after suffering severe head injuries in a cycling race accident.
According to reports, the 53-year-old athlete crossed the path of a lorry while taking part in the 'Obiettivo tricolore' relay race on his handbike on Friday.
Zanardi was brought to the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital in Siena where he underwent a neurological surgery for a 'severe head injury.'
In September 2001, Zanardi lost both of his legs in a race-car crash at Lausitzring in Germany. After recovery, he returned to F1 for one season and also took up handbike racing.