Ouch!
Road cycling can be extremely tough on the body and the mind. It requires incredible endurance, mental strength and concentration at all times.
Today, Mark Cavendish let his concentration slip for a second and paid the consequences. The British cyclist was racing in the Milan-San Remo race, the longest one day race in modern cycling, when he rode straight into a bollard in the middle of the road.
To make matters worse, Cavendish was making his return after suffering a fractured rib in a crash on the opening stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico on 7 March.
Mark Cavendish #ouch #MSR pic.twitter.com/RD9RnevkR8
— Javier Gilabert C. (@tourdegila) March 17, 2018
It’s impossible not to wince as you watch the crash. Although, you have to say he nails the landing. Heading into a bollard front on is one of the most dangerous situations a road cyclist can find themselves in, and he managed to avoid any serious damage with a landing that an olympic gymnast would be proud of.
In all likelihood, Cavendish had little control as he flew through the air, but the tuck-and-roll landing prevented him from breaking his neck, which could easily have been a possibility.
Hopefully Cavendish makes a speedy recovery and escapes with just a few bruises and grazes.
Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali claimed victory in the 291km sprint classic in just seven hours 18 minutes 43 seconds.
