Sandro Michel: Bobsledder in intensive care after second operation

Sandro Michel (right) sustained severe injuries to the chest and hip area

Swiss bobsleigher Sandro Michel remains in intensive care after having a second operation for injuries sustained when he was run over by a sled.

Michel was lying on the track following a crash when he was run over by the four-man sled, sustaining severe injuries to his hip and chest area.

His team were training for this weekend's World Cup race in Altenberg, Germany.

"Michel is in a stable condition," said Swiss Sliding.

"Medical examinations have revealed that he has no head or spinal injuries.

"The optimal time for his return transport to Switzerland is currently being evaluated."

Brakeman Michel was run over when the bobsleigh was "uncontrollably sliding back from the finish area", said Swiss Sliding.

He was taken to hospital by helicopter.

Michael Vogt, who was piloting the bobsleigh, suffered severe concussion and bruising from the crash.

Vogt has returned to Switzerland with fellow team members Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas, who sustained minor injuries.

The other Switzerland teams in Germany will compete in the race following discussions with Swiss Sliding, but Britain's Team Hall, led by pilot Brad Hall, have withdrawn.

Before a meeting between athletes taking place on Friday, Team Hall called for an "overhaul of safety protocols".

"We appreciate that this decision has not been taken lightly and we stand with them in their desire to see positive change in our sport," said the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association (BBSA).

"The safety of our athletes - and indeed all athletes - remains paramount and we will engage with the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) to ensure that their concerns are listened to."