Three-time world champion in induced coma after training crash

A training incident has left a three-time world champion cyclist in an induced coma after a horror crash left grave concerns about her future.

Three-time madison world champion Amy Pieters underwent surgery for head injuries and was placed in an artificial coma after a crash on Thursday, her SD Worx team said Friday.

The 30-year-old crashed on Thursday on a training ride in Calpe, Spain, and underwent surgery in nearby Alicante later that day.

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“Yesterday Amy Pieters was operated on her head. During this operation, the doctors took away the pressure in her head that was created by the fall. Amy will be kept asleep the coming days,” SD Worx said in a statement.

“When the doctors wake her up in a few days, it will be possible to make an assessment of the possible damage. Her family has travelled to the hospital.”

Kirsten Wild and Amy Pieters win the 2020 women’s Madison world title. Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Dutch Cycling also reported the incident, revealing the fall happened while training with the National Track team.

“National coach Fulco van Gulik will stay in Spain with a small delegation to support Pieters where possible, the rest of the track selection will fly back home as planned,” the statement read.

Pieters is a specialist in endurance track events.

She has won the madison world title the last three years with compatriot Kirsten Wild and was crowned European road race champion in 2019.

Originally published as Three-time world champion in induced coma after training crash