Mathieu van der Poel Suffers Wrist Fracture ahead of Tour de France
Dutch Champion's Road to Recovery Begins Following MTB Crash in Nové Mesto in Czech Republic
In a shocking turn of events, cycling sensation Mathieu van der Poel has sustained a minor wrist fracture during a double crash at the Mountain Bike World Series race in Nové Mesto, Alpecin-Deceuninck has confirmed. The injury comes as a significant setback just weeks before the highly anticipated Tour de France.
The first crash occurred while attempting to pass on the outside of the group on the opening lap, losing his balance while trying to lean on another rider and ending up against the barriers.
In the second crash, he again lost control of the bike on a pump track section, flying over the handlebars.
The Dutch champion has been diagnosed with what the team described as "a minor avulsion fracture of the scaphoid bone," which suggests possible ligament damage to the wrist. This unfortunate incident occurred merely six minutes into the race, marking Van der Poel's first MTB competition since the 2023 Olympic test event. After a promising start, he was forced to abandon the race on the third lap.
As a result of the injury, Van der Poel will miss the early stages of his team's high-altitude training camp in the Alps. However, the team has not yet provided definitive information regarding how this injury may impact his participation in the prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné, which serves as a crucial lead-up to the Tour de France.
"The injury will be subject to continued and intensive medical evaluation throughout the week," stated an official release from Alpecin-Deceuninck. "Further assessments, scheduled towards the end of the week, may offer greater clarity regarding his program and the potential for participation in the Critérium du Dauphiné."
Cycling fans around the world are holding their breath as they await updates on Van der Poel's recovery. Known for his remarkable versatility and strength, the Dutch rider has achieved tremendous success in both cyclocross and road racing. His participation in the Nové Mesto race was aimed at gearing up for the forthcoming MTB World Championships, making this injury all the more disheartening.
Back on the Bike
It was not even 24 hours ago that Mathieu van der Poel was diagnosed with a wrist fracture. The Dutchman suffered the injury after falling on his return to competition in a Mountain Bike World Cup race, but he is back to training on the rollers already.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck star wants to win the only rainbow jersey missing from his palmares, but things didn't go well at all. Still, Van der Poel once again proved he's made of different stuff in a video shared on Instagram.