8 May 2025

The Top 5 Cycling Injuries of All Time, And What We Can Learn from Them

Cycling, whether it’s a leisurely Sunday ride or a world-class race, is a physically demanding sport, and whilst it offers freedom, fitness and thrill, it’s not without its dangers, and from Olympic champions to Tour de France hopefuls, cycling injuries have impacted even the best in the sport, often changing the course of their careers in seconds.

 

Fortunately, the UK has made strides in recent years to protect cyclists on the road what with changes to the Highway Code now placing greater responsibility on drivers to ensure cyclist safety, including a new hierarchy of road users and clear guidance on overtaking. Plus, cyclists are now advised to ride more centrally on quiet roads, and drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking too.

But, even with these positive changes, injuries are still common on and off the track, and here at Speed Medical, we’ve supported countless clients with recovery from cycling injuries.

To help raise awareness about just how dangerous cycling injuries can really be, we’ve put together our list of the top 5 most notable in history, and we’re exploring what each one tells us about the nature of the sport, the body and how we can better prevent, treat and recover from trauma.

Beginning with…

1. Fabian Cancellara – Fractured Vertebrae (2015 Tour of Flanders)

Swiss cycling legend Fabian is known for his resilience, but during the 2015 Tour of Flanders, he faced one of the most brutal injuries of his career; a crash on cobblestones which led to two fractured vertebrae, forcing him to withdraw from the race and undergo a long and painful recovery.

This injury not only cut short his classics season but also highlighted the danger of high-speed crashes on uneven terrain, proving that even seasoned professionals are vulnerable to serious spinal trauma.

Learning point: Spinal injuries can vary in severity, but when sustained by cyclists, they often involve weeks of immobility and ongoing therapy. Because of this, wearing protective gear and planning careful routes is crucial, for amateur riders tackling uneven surfaces through to legends like Cancellara.

 

2. Chris Froome – Multiple Fractures (2019 Critérium Du Dauphiné)

A name synonymous with the Tour de France, Chris Froome suffered a career-altering accident in 2019 whilst reconnoitring the time trial route during the Critérium du Dauphiné, where he crashed at high speed and sustained a fractured femur, elbow, ribs, and neck.

The crash took him out of the Tour de France and raised serious concerns about his future in professional cycling, and Froome’s case showed just how devastating a high-impact crash can be, even outside of competition.

Learning point: Comprehensive safety checks, mental focus and even wind direction should always be factored into a cyclist’s routine, especially as Froome reportedly took one hand off the handlebars just before being hit by a gust of wind!

 

3. Lizzie Deignan – Broken Shoulder (2016 Giro Rosa)

British cyclist and former world champion, Lizzie Deignan, fractured her shoulder blade during a high-speed crash at the Giro Rosa in Italy – an injury which nearly dashed her Olympic hopes that year.

Though she made a swift recovery in time for Rio 2016, the incident revealed just how fine the margins are at elite level as the shoulder is one of the most common injury sites in cycling, often caused by landing on the side during a fall.

Learning point: Whilst they’re common, shoulder injuries can be debilitating and slow to heal, especially when not diagnosed or treated quickly. This highlights the need for prompt access to imaging and orthopaedic consultations, and strict rehabilitation programmes to ensure a quick and effective recovery.

 

4. Mark Cavendish – Recurrent Injuries (2017–2021)

Known as one of the most successful sprinters in the history of cycling, Mark Cavendish has faced a catalogue of injuries including concussions, fractured ribs and shoulder dislocations, and his 2017 crash during the Tour de France, involving Peter Sagan, led to a fractured shoulder blade and later a long battle with Epstein-Barr virus, affecting his ability to train and recover.

The pattern of injury and illness severely disrupted his career, but his comeback in 2021 reminded everyone of his sheer determination and how he overcame his many challenging injuries.

Learning point: Recurrent injuries can snowball without the right support network, so rehab, proper rest and the right medical team are absolutely key to long-term recovery and peak performance.

 

5. Wout Van Aert – Lacerated Leg (2019 Tour De France)

Belgian rider Wout van Aert suffered a horrific crash during the 2019 Tour de France time trial where after clipping a barrier, he crashed heavily and sustained a deep leg laceration. This required surgery and ended his Tour that year, but whilst his injury was not skeletal, it was complex and required an extended recovery period due to soft tissue damage and the risk of infection.

Learning point: Lacerations and soft tissue trauma are often underestimated but can lead to complications if not treated correctly and promptly, and so proper wound care, physiotherapy and gradual return to riding shouldn’t be taken lightly.

 

Reducing The Risk of Cycling Injuries

Cycling injuries can range from minor cuts to life-changing trauma, and whilst professional cyclists have access to top-tier medical teams, everyday riders and amateur racers need reassurance that support is available when needed.

Some simple ways to reduce your injury risk include:

• Wearing a helmet at all times
• Using lights and reflective gear when visibility is low
• Following the updated Highway Code and signalling clearly
• Keeping bikes well-maintained, especially brakes and tyres
• And using cycle lanes where available and avoiding high-speed descents on unfamiliar routes

But, from broken bones to long-term rehabilitation, the world’s top cyclists have shown that recovery is possible, even from the most serious injuries, and with more people than ever taking to the roads on two wheels, it’s essential to know that help is available if things go wrong.

 

Supporting Cyclists On The Road To Recovery

At Speed Medical, we understand the unique challenges that come with cycling injuries, whether they’re the result of a collision, a fall or years of wear and tear. That’s why we offer:

• Swift access to physiotherapy

• Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays)

• Orthopaedic and neurological assessments

• Medical reporting for insurance or legal purposes

• And rehabilitation programmes tailored to cycling-related injuries

So, if you’ve been injured in a cycling incident either on the road, the track or in competition, Speed Medical can help you get back in the saddle with the support you need.

For more information, please visit www.speedmedical.com, contact our team via email at info@speedmedical.com or call us directly on 0330 0948749.