Ryo Hazuki said:
in what way?? I've had a few concussions but it doesn't affect me at all. I know it can be later on but who then lives who then cares nothing to do about it now. so just enjoy your time. I read mick foleys book he had dozens of concussions and is now slowly seeing the effect of it. chris benoit is probably most well known for, but he had a fried brain or something from all the headtrauma. nothing like what phinney has had so far.
There's been a lot of scientific research and discussion in the past few years about repeated minor head trauma, particularly in the U.S. where American football is a huge sport from the professional level all the way down to recreational youth leagues.
More and more the evidence is pointing to severely increased risks of alzheimers, depression, dementia and a whole host of other serious conditions due to brain trauma. One of the more surprising findings has been that major impacts are not needed to cause extensive brain scarring (for instance, unlike the obviously bone-jarring impacts at the NFL level, even young people who have never suffered a single major concussion-level impact may exhibit a lot of brain scarring from repetitive minor head collisions). The findings have not been encouraging for victims of multiple concussion events, either.
I agree with the point that what's done is done and one should try not to worry too much about the past. But, that has nothing to do with whether one should avoid future risks which might compound the effects of past traumas.
It was a huge shame to lose a talent like Saul Raisin, but his departure from the pro level of racing makes perfect sense. Phinney's case is much less clear cut, but I think he's reaching a point with all of his concussions so early in life that he should be asking himself hard questions about his future in the sport. He seems like a bright person from a nice family and someone who can live a great life outside of cycling whenever his cycling career is finished.
Again, I hope he's fine and I wish him all the best. If he continues racing--which I expect he will--then I wish him a great deal of success and look forward to America's first elite Roubaix victory.
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