‘My leg injury is hard to beat in terms of pain, but this combination came very close’ says Chloé Dygert
CyclingSaturday, 15 August 2026 at 12:38
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Follow us on GoogleChloé Dygert had to sit out the most recent Tour de France Femmes after a serious crash in Paris-Roubaix. The American rider from Canyon//SRAM shared an update on social media after undergoing two surgeries in quick succession, on top of which she was also hit by a car.
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"The worst—but at the same time, the best—decision I've ever made," Dygert begins her story with this conclusion. “I have to say, my leg injury is hard to beat in terms of pain, but this combination came very close,” she says, referring to the severe crash at the 2020 World Championship in Imola.
"I decided to schedule my surgeries as close together as possible to shorten my recovery time and continue the progress I had made with my shoulder.Less than three weeks after my shoulder surgery, I was rear-ended and suffered whiplash, with my shoulder already in the process of healing."
"This prolonged my recovery and is still being investigated, because it's impossible to know exactly what damage has been done given my limited mobility, and because a new MRI scan isn't possible—it would just be a mess after the surgery," said Dygert.
Read more below the photo.
Chloé Dygert suffered a serious crash in Paris-Roubaix.
Dygert went through one of the toughest periods of her life
That wasn't all. "The following week, I underwent nose surgery—which ultimately turned out to be more extensive than originally planned. A significant amount of abnormal cartilage and bone was removed, including deeper parts of my nasal septum and the edge of my jaw."
"My nasal septum was reconstructed using my own cartilage, with cartilage grafts placed on both sides to repair and stabilize my nasal valves. Both lower turbinates were also reduced in size to improve airflow, and splints were then applied," said the American.
"Each surgery on its own was bad enough, but the combination of the two recovery periods—with a car accident in between—made this one of the toughest times I've been through in a long time," she concludes, smiling in a photo.
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- - Beautiful tribute, but one small gripe: the piece could use more clarity on the timeline and verification of the crash details. Fans deserve precise info when safety is at stake.andrewf14-08-2026
- - Such a bright future ahead—Willebrord years, then IPT Academy deal lined up, plus the family pedigree. This one really hurts the whole peloton. Courage to his mates and staff. Força, Fin. Descanse em paz.cadencekingm14-08-2026
- - Can someone explain how race security works at the Tour of Portugal? The article mentions two different versions (oncoming car vs stationary car). Which is it, and who’s responsible for closing those roads?davidm14-08-2026
- - Devastated. Neutralising the stage was the only respectful call. But how on earth does a car end up on course during a live stage in 2026? Someone needs to answer for this.robert6514-08-2026
- - Heartbreaking news. Finlay had real talent against the clock, third at the U23 TT nats this summer said it all. Deepest condolences to the Tarlings and NSN. Rest in peace, Fin.julien14-08-2026
- - Small nitpick: calling her team “UAE Team L’Imad” looks off – isn’t it UAE Team ADQ? If there’s been a rebrand, would love a link. Otherwise top article.sprocketspiny13-08-2026
- - Great read, cheers. Montreal Worlds on Sept 26 is a punchy course, right? If it’s more classics-style, that could really suit ELB’s diesel plus race smarts. Forza Elisa!gearguru3313-08-2026
- - When she says focus shifts after 2026 toward the 2027 TdFF, does that mean she’ll skip a full GC tilt at the 2026 Giro? Or will she ride it as prep and target stages like this year?cyclechamp4513-08-2026
- - Are we sure the gap to Vollering “isn’t that big”? On the climbs Demi looked untouchable, and Kasia too. ELB needs a sharper team train in the high mountains or she’ll be chasing again inlindae13-08-2026
- - Massive respect for ELB. Coming back from bronchitis and that rough Giro to snag third in Nice says everything about her engine and race craft. Loved how she managed the final three stages – proper veteran nous.michael5413-08-2026
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