TAIPING: Malaysia national team rider Elmi Jumari suffered broken fingers and a broken collarbone during his stage two crash in Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi yesterday (Sept 30).
National team coach Yusof Nasir disclosed that Elmi underwent surgery to save a finger on his left hand at a hospital in Bagan yesterday and is likely to undergo a further two procedures on a finger on his right hand and his collarbone.
"The broken finger on his left hand was the most serious injury. It was a substantial break and his finger was left dangling on his hand," said Yusof when met at the start of stage three today (Oct 1).
"The surgery was done last night and he has been resting since then. If I am not mistaken, metal plates or screws were inserted.
"He had previously broken his collarbone (in previous crash) and he has broken it again.
"He will need surgery on the finger on his right hand, which is also broken, as well as his collarbone. We have not yet decided whether to get them done at the current hospital or at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur."
The crash happened roughly 150 metres from the stage two finish line in Butterworth. Elmi was fined 200 Swiss francs (RM977) by the commissaires for deviating from his sprint line during the bunch sprint.
Yusof confirmed that Elmi, 34, will not play any role in the remaining stages of LTdL as his recovery could take up to six month.
"I was only able to speak to him briefly yesterday as he had to rest after the operation," said Yusof.
"All he said was that he was sorry. I told him not to worry about it and just focus on recovering.
"We did appeal the fine and brought video evidence, however, the commissaires stood firm on their decision."
Yusof thanked Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for helping facilitate payment of Elmi's medical expenses and the process of replacing his bike which was totalled in the crash.
Elmi had bought his own bike to race in the national team, an S-Works Tarmac which cost RM36,000.
Unlike UCI Continental sides Terengganu Cycling Team (Polygon) and Malaysia Pro Cycling (Trek), the national squad does not have a bike sponsor.