Crash in high-speed opening stage ends Landa's tour participation

Mikel's Unexpected Rough Ride

Mikel Landa, a seasoned cyclist, found himself in a pickle when a devastating incident left him with a stable fracture in his 11th thoracic vertebra during the race in Tirana. His team, Landa's Soudal Quick-Step, reported the grim news, stating that he would need to stay in a horizontal position for an extended time to aid his recovery.

The mishap occurred while the lead group was attempting to create a gap between them and a chasing group on a steep downhill section of the course. Poor fortune struck Landa as he collided with a curb just 5km from the finish line, sending him hurtling towards a street level significantly lower than the road on a tight left turn.

Before the racing world could catch its breath, Landa was rushed to the hospital for further evaluations. The team announced that he would stay overnight at the hospital for continuous monitoring, with arrangements made for his return home thereafter.

At 35, Landa, a Basque climber, was gearing up for his 23rd Grand Tour. He has left an indelible mark on cycling history, winning the mountains classification at the Giro in 2017. His aspirations for the overall title seemed within reach, making this setback all the more heart-wrenching.

The recovery process for such a fracture generally adheres to a conservative management approach, focusing on pain relief, spinal stabilization, and physical therapy to promote healing and gradual return to mobility. The overall timeline for recovery can range from 6 to 12 weeks for mild compression fractures or up to 6 months in more severe cases. For Landa, the eagerly-awaited return to competitive cycling might take 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of his injury and his healing progress. Here's a rundown of what to expect during Landa's recovery journey:

Initial Phase: Pain Management and Stabilization
Back Bracing: A thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) is often employed to support the spine and prevent unnecessary movement, thus alleviating pain and facilitating healing.
Medication: Essential pain relief medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and in extreme cases, short-term opioids may be prescribed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy begins a few weeks post-injury, focusing on gentle exercises, posture correction, and will eventually progress to core strengthening and balance training.
Monitoring and Lifestyle Adjustments
Regular imaging and close communication with healthcare professionals are essential for monitoring the fracture healing process. A healthy diet, ample rest, and gentle exercises will help speed up recovery.

The unfortunate accident in Tirana left Mikel Landa with a fracture in his 11th thoracic vertebra, necessitating a stay in a horizontal position for extended recovery.
Following his hospitalization, Landa's recovery plan includes pain management, spinal stabilization, and physical therapy, with a focus on a thoracolumbosacral orthosis, essential pain relief medications, and gentle exercises.
The anticipated return to competitive cycling for Landa may take 3 to 6 months, as he navigates his recovery journey, which encompasses an initial phase of pain management and stabilization, gradual physical therapy, and continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals.