Belgian cyclocross champion Marion Norbert Riberolle has been left with an upper leg wound after being hit by a motorist who failed to give way during a recent training session.
The 26-year-old revealed on Facebook that she was hit by a driver while training on Sunday, an incident that has ruled her out of her next three races.
“A ‘small’ unexpected fall, not on the training schedule this morning. I left the hospital this afternoon after being hit by a motorist for refusing priority, and unfortunately, it hit hard,” she posted.
“The result: a few staples, a hurt back, pain everywhere and a bad morale. Luckily, the bike is doing better than me.”
Marion Norbert Riberolle staples (credit: Marion Norbert Riberolle)
“Bit of a rest now, time to let it all sink in, and get back on the bike and racing soon, I hope. Thank you, everyone, for the calls and messages. Most of all, be careful of us on the road: we cyclists don’t have much to protect us.”
Her team confirmed that she would miss Tuesday’s Superprestige Niel and both races planned for the weekend in Merksplas and at the Flandriencross in Hamme on Sunday on Facebook.
“Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle has to let the next three races – Niel, Merksplas and Hamme – pass. Marion came in on Sunday during a training collision with a car,” the team said.
“She suffered a deep cut wound, which was closed with staples. Recovery is going well, but she’s getting some much-needed rest. Next Monday, there will be a re-evaluation to determine when she can resume the competition.
“Get well soon, Marion.”
Riberolle is the latest in a long line of pro cyclists injured in collisions with drivers in recent years. Visma-Lease a Bike rider Cian Uijtdebroeks was hospitalised after being hit by a motorist in June, while former Tour de France white jersey winner Pierre Latour was struck by a lorry driver whilst training for his final race last month.
French pro cyclist Célia Le Mouel called for has called for motorists to show more caution and vigilance around cyclists, after she was hit by a car driver in November 2024, leaving her bike snapped in two.
And last year, Remco Evenepoel also asked motorists to be careful, calling for them to use the Dutch Reach technique when exiting their vehicle, after the three-time world time trial champion suffered multiple fractures in a dooring incident on a training ride.