Italian cyclist Lorenzo Gobbo is in intensive care after he was impaled by a piece of wooden track.
The 17-year-old was rushed to hospital to have the giant splinter removed after it went through his back before puncturing his lung.
The incident occurred during the European Under-23 and Junior track Championships in Ghent.
Gobbo was competing in the scratch race when a number of riders came together and a pedal went into the track, dislodging the half-a-metre long piece of wood.
The rider fell onto it, cutting his thigh and piercing his side, with the teenager undergoing three hours of surgery at Jan Palfijn hospital.
The chief executive of Cycling Vlaanderen, who organised the event, Frank Glorieux, confirmed Gobbo is recovering well.
His parents are by his side in hospital with his condition being closely monitored.
"After the operation he is recovering well but stays in intensive care to prevent infection," he told BBC Sport.
Vlaanderen had earlier confirmed Gobbo was in high spirits despite the immediate concerns after the race.
"He said he would have won rather than make the newspapers this way," he added.
"He could still laugh, but he doesn't want to ride on the track for the time being. He will have to find his courage. He should recover completely, but there is a long recovery time ahead for him."
