Domenico Pozzovivo was hit by a car while training and was released from the hospital after almost a month. Domenico Pozzovivo, of Bahrain-Merida, broke his left elbow and right tibia in the accident and underwent five surgeries to repair them.

The 36-year-old was training near Cosenza in southern Italy for the Vuelta a España when he was hit by a Fiat Grande Punto driver at an intersection.

He was rushed to the hospital where he remained in intensive care, and his life as an athlete was in jeopardy immediately after the accident.

"On behalf of the rider and the whole Team Bahrain-Merida, I would like to thank Professor Candrian, Dr. Mandelli, and the entire medical staff for their dedicated and professional care during the past weeks," said Bahrain-Merida team doctor Carlo Guardaccione said.

Pozzovivo, who has been riding professionally since 2005, will immediately begin intensive rehabilitation with the goal of returning to racing next season.

"Pozzovivo has had five successful surgeries and is ready for rehab. He was discharged this morning and moved this afternoon to the IRR Rehabilitation Institute in Turin."

"There he will immediately begin intensive rehabilitation treatment to recover from injuries to his left elbow and right tibia sustained in a collision with a car during training about a month ago. [He will rely on the expertise of a team of rehabilitation specialists at IRR, the official clinic of the Bahrain-Merida Pro Cycling Team.

Pozzovivo's 2019 season included a second place finish at the Tour of Oman and seventh overall in stage 7 of the Tour de Suisse; in May, he helped Vincenzo Nibali to second overall at the Giro d'Italia, finishing 19th in his 13th appearance.

The veteran climber has yet to renew his contract for the 2020 season or reveal any plans regarding a new team.