Michael Matthews makes his return to racing after breaking both arms: 'These have been tough months'

Michael Matthews was involved in a training crash in March and as a result had to write off his spring. The Australian endured a long recovery period, but that is now finally coming to an end. Matthews started the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with Jayco AlUla on Sunday, taking great relief in finally pinning a race number on again.

Matthews crashed heavily during a training ride at the beginning of March. The Australian broke both arms and his eye socket in the fall. He also tore several tendons in his right thumb. Recovery therefore took more than three months. The experienced rider had to undergo several operations, which meant it was only after a month that he could get back on the home trainer.

In the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, he will make his return alongside leader Luke Plapp, Luke Durbridge, Hamish McKenzie, Jascha Sütterlin, Felix Engelhardt and Alessandro Covi. The Australian is therefore very much looking forward to racing again. “These have been tough months since my crash. It has been a long rehabilitation process to get back to the start line here,” he said on the team website.

“It was not always easy, but I had the goal of being back for this race and ready for the Tour de France.” That goal appears to have been achieved for the Australian, at least for now. “Just being here is already a big motivation for me. I have been able to train well over the last few weeks for this stage race. Racing is obviously different, but that is what I love doing.”

Matthews could not wait to pin on a number again. “It is great to be back alongside the boys, especially in the team time trial.”

The team time trial is a major focus inside the squad as well, with Luke Plapp also targeting the event in this stage race. “It is really great to start the team time trial project. It is the best discipline in cycling and the team has a rich history in it,” he said. The climber is also very happy to have Bling back. “I am looking forward to having a great week in France with him.”

Author: David Bavin-Hobbs - [email protected]