Australian national champion shares shocking photos of her injuries after Tour Down Under crash
Warning: article contains images that some readers may find disturbing
Two weeks after taking one of the biggest road wins of her career at the Australian National Criterium Championship, Rebecca Wiasak faced the grim reality of being a professional rider as she crashed out of the Tour Down Under, taking to social media to share photos of her injuries.
Competing as a guest rider for Holden Team Gusto, Wiasak crashed heavily on the opening stage of the Women's Tour Down Under, hitting the deck roughly midway through the 115km stage around Gumeracha.
>>> World champion Caroline Buchanan shares shocking images of her injuries following car crash
Two days after the crash, which occurred on Thursday, Wiasak was well enough to take to Twitter to post photos of her injuries, showing nasty road rash on the right side of her face and neck, as well as saying that she had suffered mild concussion which would require "a few days off the bike".
Wiasak was aiming to return to riding a stationery bike on Monday, before undergoing a concussion test on Tuesday with the aim of returning to the track, where the two-time individual pursuit world champion is aiming to secure a place in the Australian team pursuit squad for the Commonwealth Games in April.
"[There were] a few moments of panic when I think, 'I'm running out of time to get my qualifying performance for Comm Games'," Wiasak told The Canberra Times.
>>> Lotto-Soudal's Bjorg Lambrecht out of Tour Down Under after Whereabouts confusion
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I hope my head does recover because one of my thoughts is that, 'I hope this doesn't prevent me making Commonwealth Games'. I'm trying to stay positive and push that thought out of my head, and just focus on doing everything right."
The Women's Tour Down Under concluded on Sunday, with Mitchelton-Scott's Amanda Spratt taking the overall victory, successfully defending her title from 2017 despite a crash on the final stage, meaning that she had to take a lap out of the concluding criterium to rejoin the bunch.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Castelli Squall Shell review: no excuses for not carrying a waterproof jacket
Lightweight, waterproof and with a great fit, there is a lot to like about Castelli's Squall Shell and it is great value too
By Tim Russon Published
-
2,500 children's bikes recalled due to crank failures
Customers advised to "immediately" stop using bikes following one report of injury
By Tom Davidson Published
-
French pro cyclist suffering with memory loss after Tour Down Under crash
‘I have no memory of the crash’ says Rudy Molard of Groupama FDJ after incident in Australia
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I don't know if I'll be at this team or in cycling next year': Julian Alaphilippe on the Giro d'Italia, finding his form, and his relationship with Patrick Lefevere
Frenchman will focus on the Classics and then the Giro d'Italia in his contract year at Quick-Step
By Adam Becket Published
-
There is so much hope for British cycling, despite the domestic scene’s troubles
Stevie Williams’ victory at the Tour Down Under was just the latest breakthrough ride by a Briton, although there might not be a home UCI stage race to perform at soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Oscar Onley, Isaac del Toro proud but disappointed as both miss out on Tour Down Under victory
Scot finishes fourth, Mexican second, as breakthrough weeks end in dismay
By Adam Becket Published
-
'Underestimated' no more: Stevie Williams powers to victory at Tour Down Under
The 27-year-old from Aberystwyth conquered Mount Lofty on Sunday to take overall victory in Australia, his first WorldTour GC win
By Adam Becket Published
-
Stevie Williams 'over the moon' to be in lead at Tour Down Under ahead of 'tough' final stage
The 27-year-old leads the Australian race on count-back, and is hoping to triumph overall on Sunday
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘He’s worked it out’: Oscar Onley meets his high expectations with Willunga Hill stage win at Tour Down Under
The 21-year-old Scot has shown his potential before, but a first win, at WorldTour level too, proved it
By Adam Becket Published
-
Willunga Hill set to shake up Tour Down Under, with GC battle shrouded in mystery
Two climbing stages follow four days of largely flat racing in South Australia, so the weekend will decide the race
By Adam Becket Published