Mitch Docker still hopes to race Paris Roubaix despite broken elbow in Benelux Tour
Mitch Docker still hopes to race Paris-Roubaix despite broken elbow in Benelux Tour
Mitch Docker announced in May that 2021 would be the final season of his 13-year professional career, stating on his Instagram that the postponement of Paris-Roubaix to October was a “blessing in disguise”. Unfortunately, while racing the Benelux Tour in the Netherlands on Thursday Docker hit the ground and broke his elbow.
“There was a mass pile-up at KM0 and I was one of many guys that fell there,” Docker told CyclingTips. “I had pain in my arm but I wanted to finish the stage, we had an important job to defend the lead and I wanted to give myself the chance to continue with the race. The pain worsened as the stage went on, I was dropped but made it through the stage. I was then hopeful it was tendon damage or something, not race ending. A precautionary Xray told otherwise.”
The X-ray showed a fracture in Docker’s elbow, and the decision was made to put it in a cast right away. Docker hopes to get back into training as soon as he can, with the major focus being a final start at Paris-Roubaix in October.
“Pretty annoying but not disastrous,” Docker said.
Docker’s first Paris-Roubaix appearance was in 2009 with Skil – Shimano. Since then Docker has participated in nine editions, his top result was 15th in 2011. The race has always been a key moment of Docker’s season, so ending his career there is something extra special.
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