Tom Pidcock was forced to abandon the 2016 Volta a Catalunya after a particularly violent crash during the fifth stage, a mountain stage finishing at Coll de Pal. The Briton, who started second in the overall standings, just 13 seconds behind the leader, disappeared from the race for the victory, and initially no one understood what had happened.
The accident occurred approximately 30 kilometers from the finish line, during the descent of the Collada Sobirana. While pedaling at high speed, Pidcock lost control on a curve after misjudging his trajectory due to alcohol, veering off the road and plunging into a ravine. The cyclist himself later explained that he found himself out of sight of the race, in an area where no one knew where he was.
After undergoing medical tests, the team confirmed that they would not take part in the next stage. Medical tests confirmed multiple injuries to his knee and leg.
The diagnosis reveals a series of relevant lesions:
- Bone bruise on the posterior outer aspect of the tibia, also involving the upper aspect of the fibula, accompanied by small stress fractures in the bone.
- Suspected anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury, with detachment of a small bone fragment at the insertion point.
- Moderate (grade 2) injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), including associated supporting structures.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain.
- Significant accumulation of fluid in the knee joint.
- These injuries explain the impossibility of continuing the race, even though the runner initially thought he could continue competing.
On his social media profiles, the British rider admitted that the accident has derailed his immediate plans and that his goal now is to get back on the bike as soon as possible. It's a shame, because Pidcock was in excellent shape and is now awaiting recovery time, also for the upcoming MTB season.
