From two broken arms to World Championship silver, "Bling" Matthews does it again on the biggest stage: 'Grit your teeth'

Matthews run up to the World Championships was less than ideal. After spending a long time on the sidelines last year with a pulmonary embolism, he broke both wrists this season in a serious crash in March. Barely three months later, he was racing again, going on to compete in the Tour de France after riding in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the Tour de Suisse. The real reward came on September 27.

"In Quebec, I felt really strong. I knew I was in good shape, but the Saturday after Quebec, I couldn't recover enough for Sunday. I was disappointed that I couldn't compete with the best riders in Montreal two weeks ago."

But I knew I was in good shape and believed that everything would come together today. Not necessarily to finish second in the race, but my legs were up to it. I was biding my time, and when I got dropped in the Montreal GP two weeks ago, I immediately started training to make sure I’d be ready for the World Championship.'

"Quebec and Montreal (Canada) have been wonderful to me over the years. The experience I gained here helped me tremendously today in knowing where to conserve and use my energy. I’m speechless that it all came together today after the roller-coaster ride of the past two weeks. I thought my career was over twice in the last two years, and to be standing here now with a silver medal around my neck at the World Championships is a dream come true.”

"Definitely. More races in Canada and the U.S. would be great. Speaking my native language makes it less stressful. It feels a bit like home here, like Australia. Everything is in English, and the people are just like Australians: very laid-back, open, and approachable. The American-Canadian vibe feels very familiar, and the course suited me well."

"Incredibly impressive. I heard my name almost every second of the race, which is incredible considering I’m not even from Canada. The support here in Canada was very similar to what I experienced in Australia. I’m so grateful to the Canadian fans and all the fans lining the roadside. It really felt like a European race with all those crazy, enthusiastic fans. That gave me just that little bit of extra energy to make it to the finish line without any energy left, with that silver medal around my neck."

"It was tough. Of course, Brandon McNulty was in the lead, and they still had two American riders in the group. Whatever we tried, they covered it very well for Brandon. It was hard to launch a second attack or start a chase, because as soon as riders tried, the American guys would shut down the chase again. That was frustrating, but when you’re wearing the team jersey, that’s what you do for your teammate up front.”

"It changed the race by making me really stressed, to be honest. You can't give a guy like that even a centimeter; if he opens up a gap, it's hard to catch him. But attacking early on this track is really tough—it really takes a toll on your legs."

"It's impressive that he went so early and still managed to finish on the podium. I had to stay patient, ride my own race, and not celebrate too soon so as not to mess it up. My strategy was to stay calm, stick with the favorites, and secure the medal."

"If you truly love the sport, enjoy every moment. Your career flies by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday that I was standing in Richmond with a silver medal, and that was eleven years ago. Give it everything you’ve got, enjoy the journey, because it’ll be over before you know it. Get up every morning and give it your all.'