Search
shop

Nicola Spirig breaks collarbone and two ribs in training ride accident

Swiss superstar is thankful the outcome was not worse.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Swiss superstar Nicola Spirig has undergone surgery in a Zurich hospital after breaking two ribs and fracturing her collarbone in an accident during a training ride.

The 2012 Olympic champion suffered the injuries on Sunday before being taken to Balgrist University Hospital, where she underwent surgery on Tuesday morning.

The accident happened on the eve of Nicola’s 40th birthday on Monday, but she came out of the whole experience just thankful the outcome was not worse.

Advertisement

Spirig on accident

Writing in a post on her Facebook page, she said: “I had an accident with my bike on Sunday during a training ride and suffered two broken ribs and a fractured collarbone.

“I was in very good hands at Balgrist University Hospital and was successfully operated on this morning, but will only be allowed to train on a limited basis for the next six weeks.

“This means that I will not be able to start the season at the Ironman in Dubai on March 5 as planned, but I am glad that nothing worse has happened and I am looking forward to later competitions.

“Many thanks for the great support from doctors, my team and environment.”

Sub8 preparation

The trip to Dubai to race over the 70.3 distance there in March was of course part of Spirig’s preparation for one of her big goals of 2021 – the Sub7Sub8 Project.

The Swiss star, along with Britain’s Lucy Charles-Barclay, will bid to go under eight hours for a race over the iron-distance in an event which is expected to take place in the summer.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...