Paddy Bevin to miss the Tour Down Under after cardiac arrhythmia
Paddy Bevin (CCC) will miss the 2020 Santos Tour Down Under after experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia.
Bevin was training with his team around Adelaide when he noticed an irregular heartbeat. An electrocardiogram (ECG) later confirmed a supraventricular arrhythmia, which Bevin has since received treatment for.
CCC’s chief medical officer Dr Max Testa said there was no ongoing concern for Bevin’s health.
“Patrick Bevin was admitted to the Calvary Wakefield Hospital in Adelaide after noticing some irregularities in his heartbeat during training,” Dr Testa said. “Patrick does not have a history of heart problems, however an electrocardiogram detected an episode of supraventricular arrhythmia. Fortunately, this is a non-life threatening condition and is quite common, but it did require immediate treatment to regulate the heart rhythm.
“Thankfully, Patrick experienced this episode whilst with the team and we were able to treat the arrhythmia immediately. We will continue to monitor his recovery and run further tests as a precaution. However, as we are less than a week out from the race, Patrick will not be in a position to line up at the Santos Tour Down Under.
“Patrick will return to New Zealand, where we are confident he will make a full recovery and will be able to resume his racing program shortly.”
Bevin was the revelation of the 2019 Tour Down Under, winning a stage and wearing the ochre jersey for much of the race. An unfortunate crash on the penultimate stage ultimately scuppered the Kiwi’s chances of overall victory.
A year on, Bevin is understandably frustrated about missing out on a return visit.
“It’s disappointing to miss the race after preparing all off-season for it and especially after coming so close to the win last year,” he said. “I was looking forward to returning and trying to repeat my success however it’s definitely a case of being safe than sorry and the timing has made it impossible to race here in Adelaide.
“I feel completely fine now and it’s now just a matter of rest and recovery to ensure it doesn’t happen again. With the solid block of off-season training in my legs, I’m confident I can still have a strong start to the season one month later than planned.”
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck is currently on his way to Adelaide to replace Bevin in the CCC line-up.
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