Cycling
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He crashed into a car (or tractor) during the 1995 Milano-Turino race and broke his leg.
If I remember correctly, his injuries where so serious that his career was in danger and they had to shorten his leg.
Just when he came back for the 1997 Giro d'Italia he crashed out of the race again, when a black cat crossed the street.
He would go on to win at Alpe d'Huez during the 1997 Tour de France with with the French fans shouting his name during his past race interview on France Television.