Australian Olympic road cyclist Lucas Plapp is currently in stable condition at a hospital in Paris following a serious accident in wet conditions during the men’s individual time trial on Saturday.
Plapp had made impressive progress along the rain-drenched course in central Paris, recording the fourth fastest time at the initial time check, until a mishap caused the 23-year-old to crash into a barrier fence.
Following the incident, Plapp was transported to a French hospital, where he underwent abdominal surgery on Saturday evening. As per a statement from the Australian Olympic Committee, he was accompanied at the hospital by his parents and a team doctor.
Plapp is a two-time Australian time trial champion and has secured victory in the last three national road race championships. He also earned a bronze medal in Tokyo as part of the team pursuit squad that rebounded from a significant mechanical setback to clinch third place.
After competing in the Giro d’Italia in May for his professional team, Plapp had been rigorously training for the time trial, reportedly using his specialized time trial bike daily.
The 32.4-kilometre time trial was set against the backdrop of scenic Paris, passing by many of the city’s famous landmarks. However, heavy rainfall on Friday night and Saturday morning made parts of the course particularly treacherous, especially on the cobbled sections.
Plapp wasn’t alone in facing difficulties, as several other riders also encountered issues during both the men’s and women’s races. Norway’s Søren Wærenskjold was unable to finish the men’s time trial due to a slip.
In the women’s race earlier that afternoon, Plapp’s teammate Grace Brown remained upright and delivered an impressive performance to claim the gold medal, marking Australia’s first gold of the Paris Olympics. The men’s time trial was clinched by Belgian athlete Remco Evenepoel.
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The men’s and women’s road races are scheduled for the middle weekend of the Paris Olympics. Plapp was set to ride in support of three-time world championship medallist Michael Matthews, who makes his Olympic debut, alongside veteran road captain Simon Clarke. An update regarding a potential replacement for Plapp, unless he can make a swift recovery, is anticipated later on Sunday.
Australia holds high hopes for both road races. Brown displayed strong form in the time trial and will lead the women’s team, with support from Ruby Roseman-Gannon and Lauretta Hanson. Meanwhile, Matthews, who won bronze at the world championships two years ago, is well-acquainted with French roads, having won three Tour de France stages and the green jersey in 2017.
