The Danish road cyclist Solbjørk Minke Anderson has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Paris Olympics following a training accident. The incident, which took place on Thursday during a training ride in Denmark, resulted in Anderson suffering a broken collarbone after being hit by a car.
Elite manager at the Danish Cycling Union, Morten Bennekou, reported to DR Sporten, “She was hit by a car while training in Denmark this afternoon. She has been to the hospital and has been diagnosed with a broken collarbone.” He added, “I have only spoken with her father, who informed me quite quickly. She is, of course, devastated that her Olympic cycling event is slipping away.”
In light of Anderson’s injury, Rebecca Koerner, who secured the Danish National Championship gold in the road race earlier this summer, has been selected to replace her. Bennekou noted, “We asked if she was ready, and she certainly was. She will join the team within the next four to five days.”
Rebecca Koerner, a teammate of Anderson at Uno X, expressed mixed feelings upon receiving the news of her Olympic selection. “Her first reaction is naturally one of great sympathy for Solbjørk, her teammate. I think everyone can empathise with a teammate who has experienced this,” stated Bennekou.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Koerner is set to turn her focus towards Paris. She will have some time to prepare, as the women’s road race is scheduled for Sunday, 4th August. “She is currently training in Denmark and will fly out four days before the race,” explained Bennekou.
The Danish Olympic road race team now comprises Rebecca Koerner, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, and Emma Norsgaard Bjerg.
Previously, Koerner had expressed her surprise at not being included in the initial line-up, stating, “I wanted to show that I was good enough.”
