Team Omega Pharma-QuickStep tonight announced that its co-captain Levi Leipheimer has been hit by a car while training in Spain.

While on a solo training ride in the Pais Vasco region of Spain (the Basque Country) earlier today, Leipheimer was hit from behind by a car at high speed.

The team reports that Leipheimer was transported to the nearest hospital after the accident. Here, an X-ray examination was conducted, and doctors identified swelling in Leipheimer's lower left leg accompagnied by soreness.

Remarkably, no broken bones were found in the examination. Therefore, there is hope that the injury is just a muscle contusion to his left calf and that Leipheimer can soon return to training.

"I was kind of in shock, you know," Leipheimer said about the accident and added "The bottom line is it was super scary and I am lucky to be alive."

Due to the accident, Leipheimer will not participate in the 2012 Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco starting tomorrow.

Leipheimer is currently on his way to California, USA, where he will undergo further examinations tomorrow.

"I'd like to add that the team has been really supportive. The doctor here took great care of me, Ro, who handles all our travel arrangements did a great job at making sure I get home really early, and I've received good messages from the team. I'm really thankful for that," Leipheimer added.