Albert Withen Philipsen of Lidl-Trek has detailed what sounds like a very scary experience while out training (Photo: Paolone)
Albert Withen Philipsen, the former junior road race world champion now riding for Lidl-Trek, has thanked people who went to his aid after he crashed out training while riding at 80kmph.
The Dane has been left smashed up, with deep cuts and grazing to his face, body and hands, which were fully bandaged by the medics who treated him in hospital after the incident last Friday.
He said he was descending at the time, obviously at high speed, when he somehow came off the bike. Though left stunned on the ground after the impact, he was able to call for help.
"Sometimes shit happens, and the last few days have been pretty rough," said the 19-year-old, who finished 8th at the recent Tour de Romandie and 8th at Amstel Gold Race.
Advertisement
"I had a nasty training crash on Friday. I don’t remember much. One minute I was descending at 80kmh and the next thing I remember was lying on the ground.
Related News
"(I was) alone, half conscious, trying to use the small window of adrenaline to call the emergency services while blood was dripping down my face.
“I think this is the first time I’ve ever truly been scared after a crash. Fortunately, I was found quickly, and a group of people did an amazing job handling the situation until the ambulance arrived.
"I feel extremely lucky to be back home with no internal injuries, apart from a heavy hit to the head, and no broken bones – even though I’m still pretty banged up right now.
"You know it was a proper crash when the clinic runs out of bandages after two days. Recovery will take some time, but I’ll come back stronger."
He thanked Amund Jansen and Henry Coote, two young riders who arrived on the scene and helped him, as well as Lidl Trek staff member Xabier Zabalo.
Philipsen was left to pay the price of his awful crash, but sound very grateful to those who came to his aid
