Rhodes and Yaxley out of intensive care

Australian cyclists Alexis Rhodes (20) and Louise Yaxley (23) have been moved out of intensive care and into a ward with their teammates at the University Clinic in Jena, Germany. The pair, along with three teammates, were injured when a teenaged female driver lost control of her vehicle, crossed to the other side of the road and ploughed into the six member Australian women's team on July 18th. 29 year-old Amy Gillett was killed instantly. A public memorial service for her will be held this Friday, August 5 at 11.00am at the Adelaide Superdrome.

Australian Institute of Sport Director, Professor Peter Fricker, says it will be some weeks before Rhodes and Yaxley are flown home to Australia. "Both are in reasonably good spirits and their parents are still with them in Germany," said Prof. Fricker. "There is still a lot of work to go through in terms of their rehabilitation but so far so good."

Rhodes injuries include seven broken bones in her back and chest trauma. Yaxley sustained a puncture wound to her abdomen, chest trauma, a dislocated elbow and severe abrasions to her arms and legs. She has twice undergone surgery including skin grafts to her arms. Doctors are pleased with the progress of both girls who have begun rehabilitation therapy.

Meanwhile Kate Nichols is adjusting to life at home in Sydney after arriving back last Sunday night. She is continuing with counseling and with rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatment for her injured right hand and has resumed her university studies.

Sydney's Katie Brown and Queenslander Lorian Graham are expected home within the week. Acting on a request from the cyclists, the details of their arrival will not be made public, as they want to be able to focus their energies on recovery.