Sonny Colbrelli exclusive: 'My family thought I was dead' - Cyclist reflects on collapse scare and journey

Sonny Colbrelli, who announced his retirement from professional cycling in October last year after an unstable cardiac arrhythmia, has spoken to Eurosport in a special interview. The former Bahrain Victorious rider announced his retirement after an unstable cardiac arrhythmia resulted in his collapse in what was a very scary incident at the finish of Stage 1 of the Volta a Catalunya that prompted huge concern from the entire cycling community. Ad Colbrelli's collapse sent shockwaves through the sport as he crossed the finish line in second place behind Michael Matthews.

After being rushed to hospital for further tests and medical attention, his condition was discovered and he had a defibrillator fitted. He subsequently confirmed the news of his retirement in an emotional statement. CyclingExclusive: Colbrelli delighted to receive Eriksen's support after cardiac arrest18/11/2022 AT 13:38 Ahead of Paris-Roubaix, the 32-year-old spent some time with Eurosport for the returning series, The Power of Sport, to reflect on the powerful emotions associated with that day and all he went through as a result of the collapse.

«Exactly one year has passed now,» he told the show. «I wanted to watch the first stage of Catalunya because it was in that one that I didn’t feel well, and while I was watching it, I was closing my eyes and seeing all those moments I still remember. He recalled: „When I crossed the finish line, I went looking for my team, my doctor, my masseur.

I remember that I drank some water and then everything went black. I woke up in a hospital bed with a lot of doctors, nurses and all the team managers around me. “I could tell from their eyes that they weren’t happy.