'The helmet saved my life' - Matej Mohorič after his dramatic crash at the Giro d'Italia 2021
The Slovenian all-rounder was lucky to escape serious injury


Matej Mohorič says that his helmet saved his life after crashing out of the Giro d'Italia 2021 on stage nine in dramatic fashion.
Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious) was very lucky to escape serious injury with the rider from Slovenia coming away from the crash with slight concussion and some bruises, after he was flipped into the air, landing on his head and snapping the forks of his bike.
He was taken away in an ambulance on a stretcher with a neck brace as a precautionary step.
In an update on his condition, Bahrain Victorious confirmed that Mohorič will return to training in a week's time if all is well after the UCI concussion protocol has been passed.
Mohorič said: "We entered the corner on the limit at high speed. My racing line wasn’t perfect as I didn’t take all the road. I planned to overtake Gino [Mäder, his team-mate] at the exit and go into the front. The corner surprised me, and it was closer than expected. I lost traction on my rear wheel due to the high speed. I was able to catch the bike, but doing so, I was closer to the corner on my left.
"Usually, I wouldn’t crash, but due to the curb, I clipped it with my left pedal, which is evident from the damage. Because of that, my bike went completely sideways, and I hit the curb with my front wheel. Luckily the bike absorbed all the energy as it the fork split, which is why I’ve come out of this crash with only minor bruises and a slight concussion.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"After the crash, I felt a bit of pain and adrenaline rush, but I feel good and will be back training in a week after undergoing the UCI concussion protocol. These crashes always show the importance of wearing a helmet. I’d like to thank our partner Rudy Project, as the helmet saved my life."
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
Hi, I'm one of Cycling Weekly's content writers for the web team responsible for writing stories on racing, tech, updating evergreen pages as well as the weekly email newsletter. Proud Yorkshireman from the UK's answer to Flanders, Calderdale, go check out the cobbled climbs!
I started watching cycling back in 2010, before all the hype around London 2012 and Bradley Wiggins at the Tour de France. In fact, it was Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck's battle in the fog up the Tourmalet on stage 17 of the Tour de France.
It took me a few more years to get into the journalism side of things, but I had a good idea I wanted to get into cycling journalism by the end of year nine at school and started doing voluntary work soon after. This got me a chance to go to the London Six Days, Tour de Yorkshire and the Tour of Britain to name a few before eventually joining Eurosport's online team while I was at uni, where I studied journalism. Eurosport gave me the opportunity to work at the world championships in Harrogate back in the awful weather.
After various bar jobs, I managed to get my way into Cycling Weekly in late February of 2020 where I mostly write about racing and everything around that as it's what I specialise in but don't be surprised to see my name on other news stories.
When not writing stories for the site, I don't really switch off my cycling side as I watch every race that is televised as well as being a rider myself and a regular user of the game Pro Cycling Manager. Maybe too regular.
My bike is a well used Specialized Tarmac SL4 when out on my local roads back in West Yorkshire as well as in northern Hampshire with the hills and mountains being my preferred terrain.
-
‘I’m pregnant and just raced to 9th place at one of the top gravel events in the country’ - Here’s why I am racing for two
From sponsors to instincts, here’s how I’m navigating pregnancy as a professional athlete
By Isabel King Published
-
'Given the circumstances, it's very impressive that he finished this stage' - Jonas Vingegaard crashes at Paris-Nice, loses 26 seconds on stage 5
Visma-Lease a Bike rider left with cut on lip and and ceded race lead on Thursday, understood to have hurt wrist
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I never really had a Plan B' - Dan Martin on his cycling career and getting into running after retirement
The two-time Tour de France stage winner takes part in Cycling Weekly’s Q&A
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It is time to change goals' - Egan Bernal's coach confirms Ineos Grenadiers exit
'I want to thank all the cyclists I have had the opportunity to coach over the past ten years' Xabier Artetxe says in LinkedIn post
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tao Geoghegan Hart aims to 'be competitive, even in small races' as he starts 2025 under the radar
‘I think it's a little bit nonsensical to look past that and to start looking at big goals’ says 29-year-old Lidl-Trek rider as he explains he will start the year at the Volta ao Algarve
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'He’s at the age now where he's coming into his prime' - Where does Tadej Pogačar go next after a year of unequalled domination?
Becoming the first male rider since 1987 to complete cycling’s hallowed triple crown earns the Slovenian this year’s prize. Tom Thewlis salutes a spectacular year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Giro d’Italia 2025 to start in Albania
Two road stages and an individual time trial to take place across three days of racing in Balkan country
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British pro left feeling 'confused' after being dropped by WorldTour team
Harrison Wood will ride at Continental level for Sabgal–Anicolor next year after leaving Cofidis
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard plays down talk of Giro d’Italia debut in 2025, and clarifies use of carbon monoxide inhalation
Two-time Tour de France winner gives nothing away when asked if he’ll appear at the Giro, but the Worlds in Rwanda is in his sights
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tadej Pogačar says blistering Sormano attack was 'planned' after cruising to fourth Il Lombardia title
World Champion ends his season on a high in Italy with 25th victory of the year secured at Italian Monument
By Tom Thewlis Published