Dutch star Annemiek van Vleuten crashes in mixed team relay
Luke Plapp helped Australia to bronze in the world championship mixed team relay in Wollongong. Photo: AAP
Dutch cycling star Annemiek van Vleuten has crashed heavily at the start of her ride in the mixed team relay at the world road cycling championships.
The in-form Olympic and world champion, one of the biggest names at the Wollongong worlds, had a mechanical problem at the start of her ride on Wednesday afternoon.
Her crash completely overshadowed the mixed team relay, where Australia collected the bronze medal behind winners Switzerland and second-placed Italy.
She was second in the Dutch women’s pace line, only a few metres after setting off from the start ramp, when van Vleuten inexplicably lost control and hit the ground heavily.
⚠️ CRASH for @AvVleuten!! ⚠️
Mechanical issue causes horrible crash for the Dutch superstar.
Really disappointing day for the Dutch. #Wollongong2022 pic.twitter.com/rU5LYNnlcu— UCI (@UCI_cycling) September 21, 2022
The Dutch ace was in shock and her right knee was bloodied as team staff rushed to her aid.
Van Vleuten was limping noticeably as she walked away from the crash scene.
It is unclear whether van Vleuten will start in Saturday’s road race, where she is one of the favourites.
Even without van Vleuten, the powerful Dutch combination managed fifth place.
On my way to the hospital for x rays of my right side. All bruised and especially worried about my right elbow/arm. My front tire exploded and I crashed.
— Annemiek van Vleuten (@AvVleuten) September 21, 2022
The Australian team of three men and three women clocked 34 minutes 25.57 seconds over the 28.2-kilometre course.
Luke Durbridge, Michael Matthews and Luke Plapp had the fastest split over the first lap, with Georgia Baker, Alex Manly and Sarah Roy then finishing the Australian ride.
The Swiss, among the last teams to start, clocked 33:47.17 to take the lead, with Italy only 2.92 seconds adrift for silver.
Love to see it! 😍🇦🇺
Our third medal of #Wollongong2022 is 🥉 in the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.
A brilliant all-in team effort from six of our #AusCyclingTeam stars.@AusCyclingAus pic.twitter.com/jAqDKZ7uer
— ARA Australian Cycling Team (@AusCyclingTeam) September 21, 2022
Australian Grace Brown, who collected silver on Sunday in the elite time-trial, did not start.
She will be one of Australia’s top medal hopes on Saturday in the women’s road race.
Conditions were cold, overcast and windy but there was no rain.
It is Australia’s first medal in the event, which was previously held at the 2019 and 2021 worlds.
Australian Hamish McKenzie took silver on Tuesday in the junior time-trial.
-AAP
