Rio Olympics 2016: Dutch rider in intensive care after crash
Annemiek van Vleuten of the Netherlands leads Mara Abbott of the United States during the Women's Road Race. Photo: Getty
A horrific crash has left a Dutch female cyclist in intensive care, overshadowing the exciting finish to the women’s Olympic road race.
Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten, who rides for Australian team Orica-AIS, was left motionless after she crashed about 10km from the finish.
The cyclist was leading the event when she took a tricky right corner on a descent, but her front wheel appeared to lock up, throwing her over the handlebars and into a gutter. In vision of the incident, she is seen lying motionless and crumpled after the impact.
Van Vleuten reportedly suffered three small fractures in her spine and was moved to an intensive care ward for treatment and monitoring.
Annemiek van Vleuten just before the start of the road race.
“Ms Van Vleuten is conscious, able to communicate. Further medical checks are currently being made at the hospital,” said a statement from race organisers.
She “continues to be under examination but apparently no serious medical problem”, cycling’s governing body UCI posted on Twitter.
Ms Van Vleuten tweeted she will be fine, but is disappointed with the result of the race.
I am now in the hospital with some injuries and fractures, but will be fine. Most of all super disappointed after best race of my career.
— Annemiek van Vleuten (@AvVleuten) August 8, 2016
Her Dutch teammate Anna van der Breggen eventually took gold in the race.
The course has claimed many high-profile victims over the cycling events. On Saturday, Australian Richie Porte fell on a high speed corner and fractured his shoulder, meaning he would not compete in Wednesday’s time trial.
Also in the men’s event, Italian Vincenzo Nibali and Colombian Sergio Henao crashed while at the head of the field.
Polish rider Rafal Majka and British rider Geraint Thomas went down soon after.
Watch the horrific crash below.
