Modern Adventure Pro Ezra Caudell Regains Consciousness Following Traumatic Crash

There has been some reassuring news about the young US rider Ezra Caudell, who was hospitalized with serious injuries following the Philadelphia Classic on August 30.

The 20 year old fell heavily during the race, suffering what was termed ‘multi-system trauma’, and concerns were ratcheted upwards a week ago when his Modern Adventure Pro Cycling squad asked for privacy.

“At present, Ezra continues to be supported by medical professionals with his family by his side,” the team stated.

“Further updates on his condition will be communicated by the team, in accordance with the wishes of the Caudell family, in due course. Until then, we respectfully ask that they be allowed the privacy and space they need at this difficult time, and to respect that we will share information only when, and if, it is appropriate to do so.”

That sounded very serious but the latest update is more reassuring, with Caudell now conscious and even sending videos.

“Eleven days after his crash at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, Ezra Caudell remains in the ICU at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition, but he continues to show encouraging signs of progress,” his team stated Thursday.

“Ezra remains on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), which is providing support while his lungs continue to heal. Yesterday marked an important milestone: he was successfully weaned from deep sedation and taken off the ventilator, allowing his family and medical team a much clearer assessment of his neurologic status.”

It said that he sustained serious injuries in the crash. These included concussion and severe chest trauma, but it says his progress in recent days has been encouraging.

“Despite the severity of his injuries—and very much consistent with Ezra’s personality—it wasn’t long after waking that he was making jokes and sending short videos to his teammates. His ability to interact, communicate, and recognize those around him has been an especially welcome and encouraging development.”

‘Genuine reason for hope’

Born in Georgia, Caudell was part of the Team California setup last year but moved to Modern Adventure over the winter. He has a two year deal with the team. He got his time with the team underway with the UAE Tour and then did a serious of races in Europe. He was fourth in the under 23 national championship road race in June, as well as fifth in the U23 time trial and seventh in the elite road race.

Last week Lotto-Intermarché rider Milan Menten said that he and Caudell had been close to getting across to the breakaway group in the race, but that the American’s wheel hit a curb or a manhole and broken when he glanced behind.

He said he collided heavily with a lamppost and was not moving after the fall.

He and everyone involved in the sport will be encouraged by the latest news.

The Modern Adventure squad said that Caudell’s family is by his bedside and are ‘vigilant and hopeful.’ The team thanked those who have shown support for Caudell and his family and for their respect for privacy.

The statement ended on an uplifting note.

“Important milestones still lie ahead. But after an extraordinarily difficult 11 days, there is genuine reason for hope as he begins his road to recovery.”