Uno-X thinks it has found explanation for blood clots in brain of one of their riders: '25 percent of people have it'

Uno-X has been able to share a positive update on the Dane's physical constitution six weeks after worrying news regarding its rider Simon Dalby. Two blood clots in Dalby's brain were discovered in late October, but by mid-December the Norwegian team could communicate that the climbing talent is on the way back.

Back to October for a moment. Just after Uno-X was allowed to celebrate promotion to the WorldTour, there was suddenly the news that Dalby had become unwell. A scare, because after examination it turned out to be two blood clots in the brain, which can lead to a brain infarction. 'Thanks to his parents' quick reaction and the great care at Gødstrup's Regionshospitalet, he is currently experiencing only mild symptoms and is undergoing a specialist recovery process,' it sounded.

The 22-year-old Dane, 14th in last year's Tour de l'Avenir, was able to come up with positive news six weeks later through his team's channels. 'Six weeks later we are pleased to confirm that Simon is making good progress and has structurally resumed his training.

“From one second to the next, something just wasn’t right,” Dalby says. “I became very dizzy and partially paralysed on my right side, and I could immediately feel that something was wrong.”

Further specialist examinations later identified the most likely cause: a very small congenital opening between the chambers of Simon’s heart, known as a PFO (patent foramen ovale).

“This is a very common condition,” explains Uno-X Mobility Team Doctor Rory Nolan. “Between 20 and 25 percent of people have it, and for the vast majority it never causes any problems at all.”

In rare cases, however, the opening can allow a small blood clot to pass through the heart and travel to the brain.

“In Simon’s case, that is what we believe happened,” Nolan adds.

“Everything now looks exactly as it should,” says Team Doctor Rory Nolan. “This was a case of very bad luck in an otherwise extremely healthy young athlete. The key point is that we’ve identified the most likely explanation and been able to address it.”

Dalby has already been training consistently and will continue to build up under close medical supervision. There is no fixed timetable for a return to racing, but the expectation remains that he can resume competition during the spring.

“Right now the focus is just on building things back up step by step and enjoying being back on the bike,” Dalby says. “I’m motivated to move forward.”