Chloé Dygert, a decorated cyclist with three Olympic medals and ten elite world titles across track and road cycling, has faced many challenges. Despite her impressive achievements, the 28-year-old remains dissatisfied with her career due to injuries, notably a severe crash at the 2020 UCI Road World Championships. This incident, which nearly ended her career, has left her struggling with ongoing health issues.
Dygert candidly shared her mindset, expressing the mental toll her journey has taken. “I don’t want to downplay how absolutely amazing it is to be at those events and race at the highest level. But it has been very hard, mentally, in the past couple of years,” she admitted. While commendable, her recent results, including a bronze at the Olympic Games time trial and a silver at Worlds, do not align with her personal goals. “We don’t work as hard as we do to just participate,” she emphasised, highlighting her relentless drive to win.
A Renewed Focus
Now in Australia for the Santos Tour Down Under, Dygert seeks to reignite her road cycling career. This marks the first winter she has been both injury-free and healthy. “To be here, first race, and then to be healthy, I’m really happy,” she stated during a pre-race press conference. Her optimism is not without its caveats; she is slated for more surgeries on her injured leg and a nasal issue resulting from an accident.
Despite these hurdles, Dygert is looking forward to a comeback season after five long years since her accident. “We figured out some of the issues that were going on, but it was very hard for me to even accept the results that I have had. I am proud, but I’m not at the same time,” she reflected.
Lessons from the Past
Dygert’s journey has been a Sisyphean task. Her position on the time trial bike had been off, affecting her performance. “I feel kind of silly for not being able to figure it out sooner,” she conceded. This oversight hindered her progress nearly as much as her injuries have. In 2019, she dominated races such as the Colorado Classic and Joe Martin Stage Race, showcasing her potential. Yet, since joining Canyon-SRAM in 2020, she has not completed a full season, putting her at a disadvantage.
With an eye on the future and the Los Angeles Olympics, Dygert is determined to unlock her full potential. “I want experience, I want to see where I can be fitness-wise,” she remarked. Her commitment extends beyond personal achievements, aiming to be the best for her team and herself.
Having travelled to Australia early, Dygert reconnected with her former track coach, Gary Sutton, to build a positive outlook and prepare for upcoming challenges. Despite her frustrations with the past year, Dygert remains optimistic. “If what happened last year didn’t happen, I don’t think it would have made me the rider I am today,” she reflected. Her determination is set to propel her forward in the seasons ahead, with the next Olympic Games firmly in her sights.