Colombian bicyclist Mauricio Soler said that he was "born again" after recovering for six months in Spain from a traumatic head injury sustained in a crash at the Tour of Switzerland.
After returning home to Colombia Tuesday, Soler was received by a swarm of reporters as well as the president of the Colombian Cycling Federation, Jorge Ovidio Gonzales.
Commenting on his recovery process, the Colombian cyclist said, "For me this is a great thing because I was born again in Spain. This has been a long-awaited moment, but also very sad because yesterday I had to say goodbye to the people who have crossed my path, and in the midst of such adversity they have been at my side."
In a soft and slow voice, Soler also expressed his appreciation to everyone who supported him. "I want to thank you and tell you that I carry you in my heart and that all your prayers were not in vain. Thanks to all of them because my God has listened to them," he said.
The born-again Soler said that his future in cycling was uncertain as he still has a long road to recovery but will take things as they come.
The Colombian Cycling Federation has a specific insurance policy for injuries such as Soler's, and President Gonzales said that the federation would be attentive to all the requirements of that policy.
