Cyclist Simon Gerrans withdraws from Olympics following crash at Tour de France
Has broken collarbone
Australia’s Simon Gerrans has withdrawn from the 2016 Rio Olympics after the cyclist has broken his collarbone in a crash at the 12th stage of the Tour de France.
Gerrans made his announcement on his Facebook account after he underwent surgery in Barcelona, Spain, where a plate was inserted on his left collarbone. Gerrans, 36, was one of the 25 cyclists named in the initial Australian team. He was supposed to ride the challenging road race, alongside the BMC duo, Rohan Dennis and Richie Porte.
"Following my crash in stage 12 of the Tour de France resulting in a broken clavicle, with enormous regret, I would like to inform you of my decision to withdraw from the Australian team for the Rio Olympic Games," Gerrans said.
He also said that his goal is to get the best possible result in the Olympics for Australia. But with his injury, he feels it is best that he is replaced by one of the riders in the team.
Gerrans crashed on his back at the Tour de France on Thursday when his front wheel appeared to be blown underneath him while he was cornering. He was leading the peloton during the stage 12 before the crash. He finished the stage but withdrew from the stage 13 time trial and had surgery the following day.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Gerrans was considered a strong medal prospect for the Olympics’ road race.
Cycling Australia CEO Nick Green said that Gerrans is still a member of the Olympic team until they have all the information on where the cyclist is at.
“Unfortunately, he’s a member with a broken collarbone,” he said.
With Gerrans out, Australia’s hope for a medal finish at the Olympic road race event now rests at the hands of Dennis and Porte, as well as an as yet-unnamed rider.
