Trouble at Unbound: Denmark's Skovgaard waits 90 minutes for medical help after crash in ditch

In Kansas, Klara Sofie Skovgaard was set to compete in the 200-mile race on unpaved roads. However, her first participation in the spectacle in Emporia ended in disappointment. "I crashed early at Unbound and was found in a ditch with a fractured dislocated shoulder and an open knee," the 22-year-old Dane said in a post on Instagram. The injuries were serious, and first aid came from colleagues.

Luisa Valentin and Lucy Hempstead saw what happened and didn't hesitate for a moment. "They stopped their race to help and stayed with me for 90 minutes until the first assistance arrived. I wanted to leave my body, and I was getting hypothermic." So she had to make do with only the help of other cyclists for an hour and a half. "After two hours, the ambulance finally made it to the course. The kind team drove me to the hospital, and I later woke up from surgery."

A shocking story from Skovgaard, who is doing well considering the circumstances. As a cyclist, she knows she takes risks, even on the other side of the world. "But I never expected to feel unsafe. I truly hope the organizers work to improve emergency access. It felt ironic looking up at a live stream media helicopter." Skovgaard is now back home. "I’m forever grateful to everyone who offered help and kindness when things got tough."