June 17, 2010
Update

A bicyclist who was hit by a car Wednesday morning while participating in a cross country race has been upgraded to serious condition, a Wesley Medical Center spokeswoman said Thursday.

Diego Ballesteros Cucurull, of Spain, says he is grateful for the outpouring of support he's received.

"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers," Cucurull said in a statement. "I feel support and love from people all around the world. I especially want to thank the people who are caring for me at Wesley, the law enforcement community and everyone who is sending me good wishes. It means so much to me."

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the driver of the vehicle that struck Cucurull was distracted by something in their vehicle.

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June 16, 2010

A bicyclist participating in a cross country race was hit by a car early this morning and remains in critical condition.

The accident happened at about 6:45 this morning in Butler County near the intersection of 61st Street North and 159th Street East.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said an eastbound car drifted onto the shoulder and struck Diego Ballesteros Cucurull of Spain. The crash report said the driver was distracted by something in the vehicle.

The bicyclist was participating in "Race Across America" . The race started in California six days ago and will end in Annapolis, Maryland. According to the race's website, Ballesteros Cucurull was is part of the Coafi Desafio Asparo team.