Irish cycling has suffered a blow with news that Eddie Dunbar will not ride the World Road Championships next month. He has called a premature end to his season, in what appears to be a wise decision for his health.
The young Irishman, who has recently signed for Aqua Blue Sport, was a non-starter in the European Championships U23 road race last week. On that occasion an unspecified injury was cited, by Cycling Ireland, for his withdrawal.
However, it has now emerged a crash at the Baby Giro in June has had lingering effects related to concussion. Dunbar was diagnosed with concussion just after his crash. And while he took a break from cycling to recover, he is still feeling the effects of his concussion.
His agent Altus Sports Management has confirmed in a statement today he will not race again this year. It means his time with Axeon Hagens Berman has come to an immediate end.
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“Eddie Dunbar has been forced to end his 2017 season early, due to head injuries sustained in the U23 Giro Ciclistico d'Italia (Baby Giro) in June,” Altus Sports Management said in a statement.
“The Irishman was diagnosed with severe concussion after a crash on the race’s opening stage. Eddie has suffered lingering effects since which has affected the rider’s return to peak racing condition.
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“Despite Eddie’s desire to complete the season, the decision was made last week. Eddie suffered symptoms of dizziness and nausea while competing for Ireland at the European Championships in Herning in Denmark.
“Following further analysis and professional advice it was decided the right course of action for Eddie’s long-term future was to cease racing for 2017.
“This will ensure Eddie returns to his best for 2018 when he joins his new team Aqua Blue Sport. Eddie will be unable to compete in Le Tour de l’Avenir and the World Championships in Bergen.”
Dunbar was quoted in the statement saying he was very disappointed to have to end his season now. However, considering his injury is concussion, it seems like the right time to stop for now.
“This was a tough decision for me to make,” he said. “The World Champs and l’Avenir were big targets for the back half of the season so I’m gutted to miss them. Ultimately, however I need to ensure I get back to 100 per cent for 2018.
“I’d like to thank my team Axeon Hagens Berman for all their help this past two years during this important phase of my career and look forward to 2018 with Aqua Blue Sport.”
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