"Jonas Vingegaard alleges inadequate head injury checks after crash in Paris-Nice"
Jonas Vingegaard Raises Eyebrows with Concussion Concerns
Paris-Nice crash left a lasting impression on the two-time Tour de France winner, as he questions the race's concussion protocols.
Back in March, Vingegaard tumbled off his bike with 84km to go on stage five of the race. Despite riding to the finish line, he abandoned ahead of the next day's start and has been sidelined for two months since. In a press conference on Monday, Vingegaard shed light on the aftermath of his head injury, claiming he wasn't immediately checked for concussion during the race.
"I went to the race doctor because I had some blood on my face - I was bleeding - but they never once checked me for concussion, which I find a bit odd, to be honest," he said, pointing out visible signs such as his broken glasses and blood on his face.
The UCI's concussion protocol calls for an immediate assessment after a 'potential concussive event', with medical staff looking out for 'red flags,' such as loss of consciousness and vomiting, as well as lesser 'observable signs.' The rider's team staff are expected to take action during race doctors' unavailability.
Campenaerts, Vingegaard's teammate, reported his complaints of dizziness after the crash. Reflecting on the incident months later, Vingegaard dubbed it "maybe the most stupid crash that I've ever had." The severity of the injury became clear in the days that followed, with Vingegaard explaining he had to sleep for long periods each day due to his concussion symptoms.
Looking ahead, Vingegaard advocates for more in-race testing for concussions. "I think as soon as somebody has something within the shoulders and above that's visible, and you see that they hit something there, they should check them for concussion before they let them [continue]," he said.
Despite the setbacks, Vingegaard is gearing up for the Tour de France, currently preparing at a training camp in Sierra Nevada, Spain. Having completed just 10 race days this season, he will next compete at the Critérium du Dauphiné, followed by another stint in Tignes, France, ahead of the Tour.
The lack of racing, Vingegaard says, has only fueled his motivation. "Hopefully I can be even better than I have ever been before. If I'm better than I've ever been before, I'm pretty sure that then I can at least fight for the victory in the Tour de France."
Meanwhile, the French Grand Tour remains Vingegaard's "main goal," with the Vuelta a España also on his schedule this year. A senior debut at the UCI World Championships in Rwanda is "in my head," he said, but not yet confirmed.
The Grim Reality of Concussions in Cycling
While official protocols dictate the need for immediate medical evaluation in suspected cases of concussion, Vingegaard's experience highlights the challenges in ensuring consistent and comprehensive concussion management in professional cycling. Initiatives such as Cognitive Protocol, launched by former professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie, aim to address cognitive recovery and long-term brain health support for athletes facing concussion-like symptoms. These developments underscore the growing recognition of the need for more robust concussion protocols in sports.
As the future unfolds, professional cycling organizations may collaborate with medical experts and athletes to refine concussion protocols, improving training for medical staff and guidelines for real-time assessments in race conditions.
Science plays a crucial role in addressing the grim reality of concussions in cycling, as therapeutic advancements could lead to more effective treatments and protocols.
Moreover, cooperation between professional cycling organizations, medical experts, and athletes is essential to strengthen concussion-related health and wellness initiatives, ensuring comprehensive care and long-term brain health support for cyclists.
