Crake recovering from spinal surgery

Paul Crake racing in 2006 Tour Down Under

Paul Crake racing in 2006 Tour Down Under (Image credit: Mark Gunter)

Australian cyclist Paul Crake is recovering after undergoing surgery yesterday in New Zealand's Christchurch Hospital to stabilise spinal injuries he suffered in a crash during Saturday's stage of the Powernet Tour of Southland. The 29 year-old from Canberra was one of five cyclists blown off the road by a powerful wind gust as they headed into the final two kilometres of the 79 kilometre eighth stage from Te Anau to Lumsden last Saturday.