The release from hospital will complete another stage of his recovery from a high-speed crash during training in Spain last month.

Team BMC Racing's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Max Testa described how special medical transport is being arranged for Ballan's return to his home in Italy. Since the accident on December 20, the former road cycling world champion has endured surgery to repair a double fracture of his left leg, had his spleen removed and nursed a broken rib.

"Once Alessandro is back in Italy, we'll make sure everything went well during the flight," Testa explained and added "Depending on the outcome of that evaluation, we'll determine the next step in his rehabilitation."

Ballan explained he is especially anxious to be re-united with his two daughters. His wife, Daniela, has been with him since the day after the crash but his daughters have been in the care of their grandmother.

"This has been particularly difficult because it's been a long time since I've been home," Ballan told Roadcycling.com.

"Training camp started in mid-December and then I couldn't be home and together with my entire family for the holidays. So I'm very appreciative of the support from Dr. (Dario) Spinelli and the BMC Racing Team and the medical care I received here in Spain. Plus, all the messages of encouragement have given me more strength every day."

Team BMC Racing President and General Manager Jim Ochowicz explained how relieved he is with the progress Ballan has made in recent days and how pleased he is to learn that Ballan will finally be able to reunite with his family in Italy.

"I am extremely pleased at the rapid progress that Alessandro has accomplished while under the excellent care of the Hospital Dénia Marina Salud," Ochowicz said. "I can't imagine how much joy he and his family will enjoy when they are reunited. We look forward to having him back in the races in the coming months."