Dutch athlete Yvonne van Vlerken has broken her collarbone after colliding with a car while out on a bike training ride near her hometown Krimpen a/d Lek in the region of Gouda.
The athlete, who won silver at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon last month, underwent surgery in Austria with sports traumatologist Dr. Christian Schenk (pictured above), and has already started mobilisation and training exercises. She is expected to start her regular swim, bike and run-training in two weeks.
"It was a scary moment when I saw the car and I realised that I cannot brake in time," she said. "I fell with full force on the right shoulder. The right clavicle got fractured. Accidents can always happen, of course it's a shame, but I'm like everyone knows a very positive person and I will get the best out of this situation.
"I'm already qualified for the Ironman Worlds in Hawaii so I don ́t need me to worry about that. I will use this time to develop mentally. After the pain in the last few days, an Ironman will probably never hurt the same again."
She will miss the Cannes International Triathlon and Challenge Fuerteventura later this month, but is expected to return to competitive racing in time for Challenge Rimini on 11th May. Her places at Challenge Roth and the Ironman World Championship in Kona later this year are not expected to be affected by the accident.
(Images: © Endurance Team/enduranceteam.at)