Rigoberto Urán (EF Education First) hopes to return to training in December after a lengthy rehab following a stay in intensive care following his crash at the Vuelta a España in August.

The charismatic Colombian held a press conference before the "Giro de Rigo" Gran Fondo.

The 32-year-old Uran crashed on a wet road during stage 6 of the Vuelta, breaking his shoulder blade and collarbone, fracturing several ribs, and puncturing his lung. Uran underwent seven hours of surgery and was hospitalized for 20 days.

Doctors removed the plate that had been fixed to his collarbone in the previous crash and replaced it with a new plate, as well as a metal plate to fix the scapula.

It took him several weeks to recover enough to take the long flight to Colombia, and he continues to recover at home.

"It took me a very long time to recover because of what happened and because it is more difficult when you are over 30," says Lucho Herrera.

"I haven't ridden my bike yet, but I hope to do so in December and start training for next year."

Urán thanked his supporters, admitting that there were moments when he wanted to give up, and when he recovered he said, "It was the love of the people. I thank the people of Colombia.

Sunday's Gran Fondo included many of Uran's fellow World Tour riders, including Tour de France winner Egan Bernal, Uran's teammates Dani Martinez and Sergio Igita, and Sergio Henao.