Archbold on the mend after back operation
Timaru professional cyclist Shane Archbold is hopeful of getting back on bike after undergoing back surgery in Germany on bulging discs.
The 28-year-old has had a rough time following a horror crash in last year’s Tour de France when he was involved in high speed crash into a wall during the 17th stage, fracturing his pelvis.
Archbold, who is based in Spain, admitted things had been tough after three failed comebacks.
‘‘Whatever I was thinking this time last year I have no idea but it was not that I will be in this situation one year from now.
‘‘For the last 24 weeks I have been fighting a back injury which was a consequence from that awful crash 11 months ago at the tour.
‘‘I have had three comebacks to training in the past six months with relapses each time.’’
Archbold said he can only hope that after getting the required operation three weeks ago, he will be problem free this time.
‘‘I would like to thank the people who have been behind me in this difficult time especially my family. The support and trust from my team, Bora-hansgrohe who I look forward to finally racing for in the near future as my first race as a true world tour professional.’’
Archbold also thanked his girlfriend Maria Gtvz for her support.
‘‘Also my rock in Girona, Maria for travelling to Germany to be with me in the hospital and dealing with my down days.
‘‘I look forward to cutting coast loops with all the boys soon. I can only hope my next news will be good, of me pinning a number on in a race soon.’’
Bora-hansgrohe stocks in the cycling world were given a boost when Peter Sagan announced he would join the team on a threeyear deal from 2017.
Sagan will trying to win his sixth green jersey on the Tour de France, which starts on July 1. The green jersey is considered a sprinters competition with points given for high finishes in a stage and for winning intermediate sprints.
The 104th Tour de France starts with an individual time trial in Du¨sseldorf and concludes on the Champs-E´lyse´es stage in Paris on July 23.
Last year Archbold became only the 12th New Zealander to tackle the tour, and the lead out rider stunned many cycling pundits when he finished 10th in a sprint finish on the sixth stage. Two Kiwis are competing this year, Jack Bauer and George Bennett.