Victorious Bahrain driver Sonny Colbrelli discharged from hospital after successful defibrillator implant surgery

Sonny Colbrelli has been discharged from hospital after being successfully fitted with a subcutaneous defibrillator (ICD) following surgery on Thursday.

Colbrelli collapsed after finishing second in the uphill sprint on the opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya on March 26.

He spent a week in the Girona hospital, before moving to the Padua hospital, which specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmogenic diseases of the heart muscle.

Colbrelli’s team Bahrain Victorious later confirmed that he had suffered from an unstable cardiac arrhythmia which required defibrillation.

Initial tests reportedly showed “no signs of concern”, but follow-up examinations proved “inconclusive” in determining the underlying cause of the incident.

“The decision to implant a lifesaving device was shared by Colbrelli who received a subcutaneous ICD. The device works to correct heart rhythm if needed in extreme cases.

“I know I was lucky but I don’t want to end things like this,” he added.

Colbrelli recently won the 2021 edition of Paris-Roubaix held in October, just weeks after claiming success at the European Road Race Championships.

The 31-year-old is expected to face difficulties if he competes again in Italy, as the country generally does not allow athletes to compete with subcutaneous defibrillators.

Bahrain Victorious said Colbrelli will now complete his recovery at home and asked that his privacy be respected during this difficult time.