Ellen van Dijk suffered a fall six weeks ago during a training camp in Spain, colliding with a trailer and fracturing her ankle. Working with the KNWU (Dutch Cycling Federation), Lidl-Trek, and medical teams from Sports Valley at Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei and Amsterdam UMC, she underwent immediate surgery as part of a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan. The goal was clear: ensure her readiness for the Olympic Games in Paris. Medical experts have now cleared her to gradually resume cycling, with performance tests indicating she’s poised to compete for a medal at the highest level.
All eyes on Paris 2024
Since the crash, she has been entirely focused on rehabilitation and training to regain her form.
“Since my fall, I knew what I had to do: prepare myself for the Games. An intense period, where I took things day by day and gradually moved closer to my goal. I am grateful for the support from KNWU and coaches to undergo this process. I received excellent care from the medical staff. I look forward immensely to joining the team and showing something special together in Paris.”
A hard road back
Her coach, Loes Gunnewijk, expressed pride in van Dijk’s determination to compete at the Paris 2024 Games.
“Ellen has worked incredibly hard not only to recover from an ankle fracture but also to demonstrate the form needed to compete for a medal,” Gunnewijk said in a statement from the KNWU. “Our technical staff has done everything possible to support her. Compliments to the entire team, who have continued their preparations with great ambition. We will start with a strong lineup. I am confident that we will be competitive.”
Strong start to 2024
In 2024, the Dutch rider had a successful start to the season, winning ITTs at the Vuelta Extremadura Féminas, the Tour de Normandie Féminin, and the Tijdrit Omloop van Borsele.
Van Dijk took 2023 off from racing to have her first child in September of that year.
Ellen van Dijk announces pregnancy, will return to racing 2024
“My partner Benjamin and I are super excited to share the news that we are expecting our first child in September. It has always been our wish to start a family. So to have this wish come true still feels a bit unreal right now,” she said at the time.
KNWU Technical Director Wilbert Broekhuizen praised van Dijk’s resilience.
“Ellen has shown tremendous resilience, and managing this process requires teamwork. I am proud of everyone who dedicated themselves…
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