British triathlon star Steph Clutterbuck saw her gallant victory bid at IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells ruined by a cruel injury in California on Sunday.
The rookie pro saw her highly promising first season in the paid ranks culminate in agony as she was forced to DNF after leading the field into T2.
Fighting through the pain
Steph had already showed incredible guts and fortitude to fight through the injury she sustained in a crash just 30 seconds into the bike leg to post the day’s fastest split (2:16:48) – a spectacular effort in the circumstances.
Clutterbuck’s hopes of continuing to fight through the injury would be dashed though when she attempted to start the run – she was forced to DNF due to the pain and was left on the sidelines as Belgian Olympian Claire Michel claimed the win in her final race as a professional.
It was a bitter blow for Steph after a season which had seen her claim her first podiums as a pro – second-place finishes at the Zarauzko Triathlon and then at IRONMAN Chattanooga.
She told TRI247: “Honestly it was just a freak accident, I lost control of the bike and came off the tarmac and onto the gravel by the side of the road. No other parties involved. Adrenaline carried me through the first half of the bike but my hip started to hurt for the second half. When I dismounted I couldn’t put any weight through my left leg, and my left foot was in a lot of pain. No chance I’d have been able to run a half marathon! Thankfully nothing is broken but I do have road rash all down my left side, swelling on my left hip and left foot. We’re hoping that it’s all surface level and will be quick to heal 
“
Injury causes DNF agony
While the pain of Indian Wells is not the way Steph wanted to end her debut season as a pro, what a year it’s been. A campaign which sends her towards 2025 with high hopes of raising the bar once again.
“With regards to my season as a whole – I’d say it’s been one that has certainly stretched my limits to the max. I started 8 races, last year it was 4, so I’ve pushed my mental, physical and emotional capabilities further than they ever have before. To be closing out the season comfortably in the top 100 (top 70 tbc!) with a Kona slot secured and two podium finishes is far beyond what I expected and has me filled with confidence heading into winter training!”
We wish Steph a speedy recovery and the very best wishes for another terrific season in 2025.
