Fabio Jacobsen of Dečuninck-Quick Step has emerged from a medically-induced coma two days after suffering a severe crash in the first stage of the Tour de Pollogne in Katowice.

Jacobsen was placed in a coma to facilitate his recovery from severe injuries to his face and throat, but after a five-hour surgery early Thursday morning and further tests, doctors were able to rule out any major neurological problems.

According to the team, Jacobsen is able to move his limbs and communicate with his doctors, but speaking and eating remain difficult after the maxillofacial surgery.

"The most important thing is that he's alive," team manager Patrick LeFevier told HLN. 'Priority number two is getting his face back together. Fortunately, no vital organs have been hit, but all the bones in his face are broken and he has lost all his teeth. It's in really, really bad shape."

Lance Armstrong wrote on Twitter, "Thoughts and prayers go out to Fabio Jacobsen. Hang in there buddy. I've been in this sport for a long time and have never seen an accident as horrific as that one."

The team thanked all the messages and wrote, "Deceuninck - Quick-Step would like to thank you for the support and best wishes sent during these difficult and trying days and kindly ask you to respect the privacy of Fabio and his family." [Dylan Groenewegen, sensing Jacobsen approaching rapidly from along the barrier, got off his line and stood in front of Jacobsen. Unusually, however, the barricade malfunctioned, and the barricade flew out onto the course, knocking down the other six riders.

Groenewegen himself fell after the finish line and broke his collarbone. He apologized after this accident on Thursday, saying, "I hate what happened yesterday. Words cannot express how I feel for Fabio and the other riders who crashed or were hit. Right now, Fabio's health is the most important thing. I think about him all the time."

His Jumbo-Visma team has placed him on suspension until the UCI Disciplinary Committee decides whether his actions deserve a penalty beyond disqualification and a fine of 500 Swiss francs.

Deceuninck-Quickstep manager Patrick Leferet immediately responded that Groenewegen should face criminal charges, and Polish authorities are investigating the case.

However, others have called on the UCI to do more to ensure that barriers and courses are designed in a safer manner.