Olympic Champion forced to end 2025 season early after cartilage surgery

Faulkner underwent surgery to stabilize the cartilage in her right shoulder and will now spend six weeks rehabilitating at home in the United States before resuming training in preparation for the 2026 season.

“Kristen injured her shoulder at the Tour,” explains Jon Greenwell, head doctor at EF Pro Cycling. “After she’d had a few days’ rest, she noticed that her shoulder was still pretty painful, so we organized an MRI scan that showed some damage to the cartilage, which could potentially cause some shoulder instability.”

“After consulting with USA Cycling and a couple of orthopedic doctors in America, we decided that the best thing to do for her long-term health was an operation to repair the cartilage. We didn’t want to leave it and then have her suffer from pain and instability later, so now was the best time to do it. The rehab process will be about six weeks before she can get back on the bike, and then she'll be ready to go for a full preseason to race next year.”

“The surgery was very successful,” the Alaskan said in a brief statement via her team's channels. “I am recovering now, and with the timing of it, I'll be able to start next season on a normal timeline. I'll be healthy and fully recovered going into next season,” she said confidently.

Consequently, the Olympic champion from Paris concludes a not very successful 2025. Faulkner did win the American championship, but she was unable to make an impact in the major European competitions.