Print edition: 
Diego Ballesteros Cucurull, the bicyclist from Spain badly injured during the Race Across America when he was hit by a car on K-254 earlier this week, issued a statement of gratitude on Friday.
Ballesteros, 36, is in serious condition at Wesley Medical Center. He was injured at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday when a car drifted off K-254 about a quarter-mile west of the Butler County line and slammed into his bike.
He is in good spirits, hospital officials said, but is declining interviews. He issued this statement:
"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. 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."
Race Across America officials have said Ballesteros is expected to remain hospitalized for nearly two weeks before being flown back to his home in Spain.
Kansas Highway Patrol officials plan to present evidence in the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, which will determine whether criminal charges are warranted against the 22-year-old driver of the Toyota that struck Ballesteros.
Authorities have said the driver told them he became distracted by something in his car. The vehicle drifted off the highway and onto the right-hand shoulder, where Ballesteros was riding.
