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Hello again, CyclingTips readers!
The news from last October that promising youngster Edo Maas might not walk again after a collision with a car at the Piccolo Lombardia was tough to read. Three months later, it’s hard not to be moved by a post the 19-year-old Dutchman has made on Instagram.
Maas has shared a video of himself walking with the help of bionic legs and crutches, complete with an excellent caption that simply tags Usain Bolt without further comment. Impressive stuff this quickly after his fall, and a sign that Maas has clearly been hard at work in physical therapy.
In other news, the elite women’s race at cyclocross Worlds has added a serious contender for victory as of Monday as Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado has decided to race with the elites instead of the under-23 field next month in Switzerland. Considering how well the 21-year-old Dutchwoman has ridden lately, she will start among the top favorites for the rainbow jersey.
Until next time, readers!
What’s News
| Maas walks with help of bionic legs
Edo Maas, the 19-year-old Dutch prospect who suffered severe injuries in a collision with a car at last year’s Piccolo Lombardia, has posted a video of himself on Instagram walking with bionic legs.
Maas sustained fractures in his neck, back, and face in the incident and was told he may never walk again. Last month, he posted a photo of himself in physical therapy. Now, three months after his fall, he is taking steps, supported by crutches and a bit of technology.
| Thomas’s 2020 schedule coming into focus
Cyclingnews reports that the first half of Geraint Thomas’s 2020 campaign will include starts at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Tour de Romandie, and the Tour de Suisse as he builds towards an expected start at the Tour de France.
Where he will make his racing debut this year is not yet known, but according to Cyclingnews, Thomas could kick off his season at the Volta ao Algarve.
| Alvarado will race with elites at Worlds
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado will still be eligible to compete as an under-23 for some time yet, but Wielerflits reports that the 21-year-old rising ‘cross star has decided to race the elite women’s event at next month’s world championships.
With her participation in the race now confirmed, Alvarado will likely start among the top overall favorites in Switzerland. She currently leads the overall World Cup standings, and over the weekend she won the Dutch national ‘cross title.
| Van der Poel and Franck win at Otegem
Mathieu van der Poel and Alicia Franck took the victories at Monday’s Otegem cyclocross race.
Van der Poel topped Tim Merlier and Gianni Vermeersch to get the men’s win, a result that marked his fifth straight victory. Franck won the women’s event ahead of Ellen Van Loy and Anna Kay.
In case you missed it
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The results are in. You won’t want to miss the stunning images that have been selected as winners of the 2019 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards.
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY NEWS DIGEST PODCASTToday’s featured image of the peloton pushing uphill at La Flèche Wallonne comes from the Grubers.
