I decided to make a topic about the determination of riders when it comes to continue their racing. What pushed me over the edge were reports about Poels' condition. The man was hugging the ditch like he entered some deep coma. I wasn't surprised to hear he abandoned. But then we heard the news he didn't abandon after all to eventually read he did give up. This immediatly raised my eye-brow. It could either be that his number got confused with another, or there would be an edge to these reports. An edge it was. Reports tell us he spent a short time in the ambulance, but then decided to give it another shot. Unfortunately he had to hit his breaks 10km later.
Later news from the hospital told us his condition. Brace yourself: A tear in his kidney and Spleen, bruised lungs and three broken ribs.
Now I'm not a doctor, but I reckon any capable doctor in that ambulance could at least have noticed his broken ribs.
This brings me to the point of my concern. Due to how the mentality among cyclists is, combined with pressure and urges to succeed, I think they often push themselves too far and sincerily endanger themselves. Imagine if a guy with Poels' condition would have continued, but before he could reach the finish he fell again due to whatever reason. It could have been disasterous and possibly life-threatening. I'm afraid that if they continue this way, it's a matter of time till we face a lethal case. Therefore I think both the medics and the cyclists need to change their mentality to a certain extent. It's all nice and heroic that they continue, apart from some exceptions, as long as they manage to keep those wheels turning.
But life, in my opinion, is more important than cycling. And we don't want any cyclist to leave his family behind because he didn't want to abandon a relatively frivolous race.
Medics, please be capable doctors. Take your responsibility, dare to speak about the possible consequences the rider would take when he'd continue. The rider himself should think of his own health and about the people he loves and consider if it's worth taking the risk.
Thank you for reading.
Later news from the hospital told us his condition. Brace yourself: A tear in his kidney and Spleen, bruised lungs and three broken ribs.
Now I'm not a doctor, but I reckon any capable doctor in that ambulance could at least have noticed his broken ribs.
This brings me to the point of my concern. Due to how the mentality among cyclists is, combined with pressure and urges to succeed, I think they often push themselves too far and sincerily endanger themselves. Imagine if a guy with Poels' condition would have continued, but before he could reach the finish he fell again due to whatever reason. It could have been disasterous and possibly life-threatening. I'm afraid that if they continue this way, it's a matter of time till we face a lethal case. Therefore I think both the medics and the cyclists need to change their mentality to a certain extent. It's all nice and heroic that they continue, apart from some exceptions, as long as they manage to keep those wheels turning.
But life, in my opinion, is more important than cycling. And we don't want any cyclist to leave his family behind because he didn't want to abandon a relatively frivolous race.
Medics, please be capable doctors. Take your responsibility, dare to speak about the possible consequences the rider would take when he'd continue. The rider himself should think of his own health and about the people he loves and consider if it's worth taking the risk.
Thank you for reading.
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