CYCLING STAR DUNBAR OUT OF ACTION
CHAMPION cycle racing supremo Eddie Dunbar was diagnosed with severe concussion after a crash in June and said he was “gutted” to also be out of the world championships.
Altus Sports Management announced on Tuesday that Eddie, who is the Under 23 Tour of Flanders winner, has been forced to end his 2017 season early, due to head injuries which he sustained in the U23 Giro d’Italia in June.
Eddie, who is a member of the Axeon Hagens Berman cycling team, was diagnosed with severe concussion after the crash on the race’s opening stage. However, since then he has suffered lingering effects which has hampered his ability to return to his peak racing condition.
Despite Eddie’s sheer desire to complete this season, a decision was made last week to stop racing as he suffered symptoms of dizziness and nausea while competing for Ireland at the European Championships in Herning in Denmark.
Following analysis and professional advice, it was decided that the right course of action for Eddie’s long-term future was to cease racing for 2017. With the well deserved rest and recuperation, it will greatly help him return to his best for 2018 when he joins his new team Aqua Blue Sport.
With the decision now taken, it will ultimately mean he won’t be competing in Le Tour de l’Avenir and the World Championships in Bergen.
“This was a tough decision for me to make, the World Championship and l’Avenir were big targets for the back half of the season so I’m gutted to miss them. Ultimately, however, I need to ensure I get back to 100% for 2018,” Eddie said.
He also thanked his team Axeon Hagens Berman for all their help over the past two years during what has been a very important phase of his career and he also said he was looking forward to 2018 with Aqua Blue Sport.