O'Neill Sidelined by Auto Accident - Won't Defend Redlands Title

Oakland, CA - Nathan O'Neill of the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis will once again have to delay his 2007 North American racing debut.

In January, O'Neill was struck by a vehicle while out training in his native Australia shortly after winning his record 8th Australian National Time Trial Championship. The resulting hip injury kept him from starting the Amgen Tour of California in February.

On Wednesday, O'Neill was a passenger in an SUV that was tapped from behind by another vehicle and sent out of control while traveling at highway speeds. The SUV flipped several times, collapsing the vehicle's roof.

O'Neill sustained a deep cut on his left arm that required 60 stitches to close, as well as several other cuts and bruises. The injuries will keep him from starting the Redlands Classic next week.

"It was one of the scariest things I've ever been through," O'Neill commented. "Given what happened, I feel very lucky that my injuries weren't more serious."

O'Neill was traveling back from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was featured at an event promoting the Tour de Georgia, with Jackie Tyson, the Tour's director of Communications, as well as Judy Stanton of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Tyson's Toyota 4Runner was allegedly bumped from behind on the freeway, causing her to lose control.

O'Neill was treated and released from the hospital Wednesday evening after the accident. Staton is in stable condition and recovering in an Atlanta hospital, while Tyson suffered extensive injuries and remains in intensive care.

O'Neill will likely make his season debut in his home-state Tour de Georgia. Health Net Presented by Maxxis sends its best wishes to Staton and Tyson for a rapid recovery.

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