That's not a splinter that's a harpoon! This could have been worse, I'm glad that he is OK. Scroll down to the photo (caution though):
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/italian-rider-impaled-by-huge-splinter-at-european-junior-track-championships/
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/italian-rider-impaled-by-huge-splinter-at-european-junior-track-championships/