Milan - Italian motorcycling star Max Biaggi is out of danger but will be sidelined for a month after suffering broken ribs in a training accident that prompted his evacuation by helicopter to a hospital in Rome.
"The motorcyclist has serious chest injuries, with several broken ribs," said doctor Emanuele Guglielmelli, the head of emergency services at the San Camillo di Roma hospital in the Italian capital."He will remain here at least one night for observation because this kind of chest injury remains a risk and will need supervision."
Biaggi had been training at the Sagittario race circuit, where he often trains emerging riders from his own team, ahead of this weekend's Supermoto Onroad event.
He has been advised to rest for at least 30 days, added Guglielmelli: "The prognosis at this point is for a 30-day recovery period."
Biaggi's father, however, said it's time the 45-year-old veteran - nicknamed 'Mad Max' for his notoriously difficult relationship with the media, team personnel and rival riders - gave up racing.
"Max is doing fine, we spoke and he told me 'we messed it up'," said Biaggi Sr, who admitted he has often feared for his son's safety.
"I've been afraid for the past 25 years! Now would be a good time to give up racing."
Biaggi is a two-time world champion in Superbike and a former four-time world champion in the 250cc class.
The incident comes less than a fortnight after the death of American Superbike star Nicky Hayden from injuries suffered while training on a road racing bike in Italy.