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Defending Eppie's Great Race Champion Eager To Run After Being Hit By Minivan

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The man holding the title in Eppie's Great Race has a new challenge to overcome before Saturday's race—being hit by a minivan.

Dr. Vic Vicari is recovering after the accident. This iron man with an iron will is still talking about defending his title after being struck by a car, being sent to the ground and taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

"I didn't hear any screeching tires."

When he takes off his shirt, you can see where the scars will surely be setting in on his back, his arms and his head.

"At first, I didn't know what hit me, but then I looked around and there was a lady in a minivan who jumped out and was very concerned, felt awful."

Paramedics rushed him to the hospital.

His family is happy to have him home in one piece.

"Yeah, it's really scary when you get a call your husband is on his way to the emergency room at UC Davis."

But they know, this is no ordinary dad. This is the nine-time winner of Eppie's Great Race, and on a 6-year streak defending the triathlon title.

He's done with the doctor.

"I feel reasonably well."

And he's back to talking about defending his streak. Even though the race is this Saturday.

"Doesn't surprise me at all."

"I figure I'll be stiff and sore, but if I can run and jump on a bike, I'll probably go ahead."

This is Vic Vicari after last year's victorious Eppie's Race finish.

His daughter told him before the crash she didn't think he had another win in him.

"I'm not a bad daughter, but my prediction is that he was going to lose. I think it's about time."

Now Vic, recovering from these vicious wounds. This weekend, just getting to the starting line will be a victory.

He says he'll take a light bike ride on Friday to see how sore he ends up feeling.

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