Saxo Bank rider Jonathan Bellis of Britain has come out of a coma in a Florence hospital after being involved in a traffic accident last month.

"Jonny Bellis was brought out of his medically-induced coma late last week but remains heavily medicated," read a statement on British Cycling's website (www.newbritishcycling.org.uk) on Tuesday.

"Whilst his condition is still serious, the hospital staff are slowly bringing him off the ventilator and are keeping a close eye on his progress."

The 21-year-old was hurt in a crash on a motor scooter near his training base in Quarratta, Italy.