Olympic cycling favorite Tony Martin crashes into car while training

BRUSSELS (AP) -- Time trial world champion and Olympic medal favorite Tony Martin broke his cheekbone and jaw after colliding with a car during a training ride near his Swiss home.

Martin was in stable condition Thursday in a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. He may need surgery.

"The left side of my face is totally smashed," Martin said on his website. "My left eye is bloodshot and completely swollen shut."

The German rider said the accident happened Wednesday when a car suddenly crossed the road in front of him. He was cycling about 22 mph and near the end of his training ride, about 2 miles from home.

"The lights went out," said Martin, adding he was unconscious for about 15 minutes and cannot remember the accident.

The 26-year-old Martin is one of the top riders on the tour and earned 12 victories last year, including Paris-Nice and the Tour of Beijing. It was unclear how long he would be out of competition.

He is considered one of the favorites to win gold in the Olympic time trial in London. Defending champion Fabian Cancellara broke his collarbone this month and is expected to be back in full training within weeks.