Tour de France winner Egan Bernal felt like he was “born again” after surviving a horrific crash.
The 25-year-old left the hospital just a fortnight after he hit a stationary bus while riding his time trial bike in January, which left him with devastating injuries.
He suffered a staggering 20 broken bones and two collapsed lungs, which saw him undergo seven surgeries, including two on his spine.
Other operations included neurosurgery, and other procedures after he sustained back, leg, knee and chest injuries.
After previously revealing he was faced with a 95% chance of being paralysed and almost dying, Bernal made a miraculous recovery.
In a video message filmed as he left the hospital in a wheelchair, the Colombian said that "life changed for me in one second" and is grateful for the position he is in.
“In truth, for me it’s like being born again, the fact that I’m alive," he said.
"In the days where I was in pain, I said to myself ‘at least I feel pain - at least I feel something’, and that’s thanks to you.
“I’m obviously now starting a very long process, but you have already done the hard work. My respects for everything you do - you deserve a lot more recognition than we give you, and thank you genuinely for giving me a second chance.
“I hope to one day be able to repay in some way all that you’ve done for me.”
In 2019, Bernal made history by becoming the first Colombian to win the Tour de France and is the reigning Giro d'Italia champion.
He was grateful to his doctors for their incredible work and is now keen to continue his recovery.
"One moment I’m preparing for the Tour de France, giving it all on my time trial bike, and the next I’m fighting for my life," he said.
“Fortunately, I fell into good hands, and I believe that if it wasn’t for you [the doctors], it would be a different story, so I have to thank you for allowing me to have a second chance."
His cycling team Ineos Grenadiers tweeted their delight regarding Bernal’s recovery and wished him well.
"We're happy to report that Egan Bernal has been discharged from hospital today," they wrote.
"Egan will now return home to begin his long rehabilitation journey - and we'll be supporting him every step of the way."
