Amber Pate went to hospital fearing broken bones — and found a tumour instead

Crashes are part of cycling. Almost every rider has broken a collarbone at some point, and most carry their share of scars. But sometimes something happens that is entirely beyond your control — something that has nothing to do with the sport itself. Amber Pate has been through a difficult few months, as she has now shared publicly. Because when she went to hospital after a crash, she unexpectedly discovered a tumour.

Australian Pate has been racing at the WorldTour level since 2023. The 31-year-old is known as a strong all-rounder who races a wide variety of events, from the Classics to Grand Tours. She is a valued member of her Liv AlUla Jayco squad, but they will have to do without her for a while, following the devastating news after a crash in the spring.

On Instagram, she shared her remarkable story. "It’s been a bit of a time. And quietness to focus in was just what I needed. I’ve missed lots of bike racing and had many questions of why I’m out of the classics. So here is the update 🫡 It’s been some really tough months. It could be considered bad luck or good luck. I take it as good luck."

"From a bike crash in January, on the broad scans checking for any breaks ect, it was mentioned to get closer check on the pancreas, as it showed some slight enlargement. Once I returned to Europe we got these scans done, followed by a biopsy. To which they found a very small / very slow growing malignant tumour in my pancreas."

Further tests and scans then followed. And so Pate flew home to Australia to continue the process there.

An enormous blow — and one that hit the unfortunate Pate hard. "The support from all the specialists / doctors has been beyond amazing. I also couldn't do this without my family / friends / teammates in this time. I have felt the support and I am so grateful."

But after that devastating news, she is now able to share a deeply welcome update. "After a long 6h surgery (distal pancreatectomy) on Tuesday, all went extremely successfully to remove the tumour. And I am recovering nicely."

"Life has indeed thrown a curveball," she continues. "But I am now stoked to be in recovery and full focus forward to get back to Europe to my teammates when my body is ready."