Katie George Dunlevy battled to finish her latest World Cup despite crashing during the event and breaking collarbone but battling on to the finish because Ireland needed points to secure Paralympic qualification.
The incident occurred at the UCI Paracycling World Cup in Italy, the last of three qualification events for the Paralympics, when Dunlevy, piloted by Eve McCrystal, crashed with two laps remaining, leaving Dunlevy screaming in pain.
However, they got back on their bikes and continued in the race, eventually going on to finish in 4th place. It was only after the race, when Dunlevy underwent medical checks, that she realised she had suffered a broken collarbone in the crash.
"We attacked three laps in on a 10-lap, 8km circuit," McCrystal said of the duo racing well before their unfortunate fall. "The British bike came across and that was it we were away. Two laps to go we punctured left turn the front wheel went and we were down.
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"I knew Katie was hurt but after a quick head check we got back up. Thanks to the British mechanic, we got a wheel. We were still in P2 on the rd but with one lap to go we were caught. We both fought so hard to stay but poor Katie was in excruciating pain.
"I knew the collarbone was gone by the way she was screaming. I have no idea how she did it but we got to the finish line over cobbles and finished in P4.
I have never witnessed anything like it in my life. She is one tough cookie the fight that was in her was something I’ve never seen. She trusted me to get her home. I knew I’d get her home.
"We were doing it for our entire team to finish that race. Bike riders are tough. Katie is next level hats off to her. This is why she is a double Paralympic Champion Multiple World Champion.
"She will get back to full health. I’m sure by the weekend she will be back on the turbo resting her arm on the ironing board and working towards our shared goal.”
