Six weeks after fracturing her ankle, Ellen van Dijk has gained the race towards time to recuperate and can race within the 2024 Paris Olympics time trial and street race for the Netherlands.
Van Dijk sustained the damage throughout a coaching camp in Spain at first of June, earlier than present process surgical procedure and finishing coaching tailored for the forged on her proper leg to rebuild her race health.
The Dutch Cycling Federation (KNWU) announced Van Dijk’s participation on Wednesday, 10 days earlier than the person time trial, after “varied efficiency exams confirmed that she is able to signify the Netherlands with ambition”.
“Never Give Up! This is my mantra for over 6 weeks now. Every step I saved repeating it to myself. Don’t surrender, it’s nonetheless potential. I took it day-to-day, though it wasn’t straightforward,” stated Van Dijk on Instagram after confirming her participation.
“In a earlier replace, I stated this may very well be the most important problem of my profession. I’m now positive it’s.
“Last week I did some critical TT intervals to check my form. I used to be stunned by the consequence, however there’s nonetheless some work to do. I’m very completely happy although to announce that I made it to Paris! We will see what is going to occur from right here.”
Van Dijk will tackle the ITT the place, as a three-time World Champion within the self-discipline, she will likely be one of many favourites alongside present rainbow jersey holder Chloe Dygert (USA). Unfortunately, fellow time trial specialist Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) introduced earlier this week that she gained’t take the beginning resulting from a lingering sickness.
She’ll additionally make up a part of a star-studded street race lineup alongside Demi Vollering, Lorena Wiebes and Marianne Vos, with Wiebes – the highest sprinter on this planet – set to be chief.
“I’m actually trying ahead to becoming a member of the group and displaying one thing stunning collectively in Paris,” stated Van Dijk in a KNWU press launch, who additionally detailed simply what it took to get to health on her social media.
“After surgical procedure, I needed to peddle with a forged first. We needed to discover a solution to get on the bike. Benjamin made all types of pedals so I may prepare with the forged,” Van Dijk stated.
“After the forged was eliminated, I began to ‘prepare’ a little bit bit on the indoor coach. From 20-Half-hour with the forged to 2*75 minutes with out the forged. I celebrated each step of the development and I suppose I used to be fortunate that each time I attempted one thing new, one thing further, the ankle was comfortable with it.
“I couldn’t have carried out it with out the assistance of [partner and son] Benjamin, Faas (though he has no clue), KNWU, Lidl-Trek and the unbelievable docs of UMC Amsterdam.”