Greg Van Avermaet to Undergo Surgery on Fractured Ankle

BMC’s Greg Van Avermaet is undergoing surgery on a fractured ankle

The Olympic Champion crashed on his mountain bike and will have surgery to secure a small, non-displaced, distal left fibula fracture, performed by Dr. Tim Leenders, in Antwerp.

“It was my first training ride after a few weeks off,” said Van Avermaet.

“I went into a corner, maybe a bit too fast and there was water on the ground and I didn’t want to go straight into that, so I put my foot down, and this is what caused the fracture.”

Despite his injury, Van Avermaet is remaining positive about his recovery, and seeing the bright side with regards to the timing of the crash.

“I feel fine. Of course it’s better to not have an injury like this but I cannot change it, and it’s better now than in January.

“I now have some extra weeks to recover before getting back on the bike in about four weeks, and then I’ll still have a big block of training before the season starts, so it should be fine.”

BMC Racing Team Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Max Testa said to the BMC team website that he expects Van Avermaet to make a full recovery.

“Injuries are unfortunately part of a cyclist’s career, something that Greg understands well having already bounced back successfully from injury this year. Following surgery Greg’s training program will be readjusted according to his progress over the next two to three weeks, and in agreement with Dr. Leenders” Dr. Testa explained.

“I am confident that this injury will not interfere with Greg’s objectives for the 2017 season.”