Painful! Skjelmose suffers a double hernia after an incident at the breakfast table and ends the season

It was a turbulent start to the World Cycling Championships. After Mattias Skjelmose injured his back at the breakfast table before the race, Julian Alaphilippe had to retire after an accident. Five days later, it was revealed that Skjelmose had suffered a double hernia as a result of the incident, resulting in him having to cancel his season.

About 220 kilometers from the finish there was an accident on a straight road. João Almeida was involved, but Pello Bilbao seemed to be the one hit hardest. The Spaniard needed time to get up and was in a lot of pain. Off camera, it was Alaphilippe who suffered the most from the accident. It soon became known that the former world champion had to abandon the race because his shoulder was dislocated – a painful injury for the Frenchman.

The Dane Skjelmose was the leader of the strong Danish team, which should have the best chance of a medal on the demanding course at the World Championships in Zurich. But at the breakfast table he made one wrong move and his back immediately tensed up. There were immediate concerns and the physiotherapist got to work straight away. Despite physiotherapy, taping, heat and cold treatments, the problem could not be completely solved.

Coach Lund: “We’re still sticking to Plan A”

National coach Anders Lund explained to the Danish press what had happened. “Skjelmose made a movement after breakfast that affected his back. He was treated and is feeling a little better. But of course it is something that weighed on us this morning. He is at the start of the race and we hope he is fit enough to fight in the final,” said the coach TV2.

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Is it time for the Danes to move to Plan B? “We have talked about it, but at the moment it is important not to panic for any reason. We don't know what it all means yet. The race is long, we have to get to work and there are many options.” “We're still sticking with Plan A,” he said firmly. Skjelmose later appeared on camera to tell his story. It was clear he was not feeling well, with a pained expression and a tired look on his face as he spoke.

It was a sign of what was to come: Skjelmose dropped out of the world championship road race after about 100 kilometers. The Dane overtook the first lap at the finish and decided to call it a day. Throughout the entire race, the Lidl Trek driver was constantly hanging at the back. Since his back condition didn't improve, he withdrew.

Skjelmose had to end his season

Five days after the World Cup, it is clear that Skjelmose's unfortunate incident had far-reaching consequences. Extensive investigations have shown that the Lidl Trek driver had to cancel his season due to a double hernia. Skjelmose broke the news himself Instagram. It is a bitter setback for the Dane, who had hoped to shine at the Italian autumn races.

“I was looking forward to the final part of the season with several big races, but a sudden and severe pain in my back the morning before the World Championship road race put an end to my season. After thorough examinations of my back and an MRI scan, I was diagnosed with two herniated discs. For this reason I am forced to end the season now,” said a visibly disappointed Skjelmose. “It's no secret that I'm sad that my season has to end like this, but unfortunately injuries are part of cycling. Now I will give my body some rest so that I can come back even stronger next season.”