Thalita de Jong’s participation in this weekend’s Cyclo-cross World Championships in Bieles, Luxembourg is in doubt, despite being selected for the Dutch team. The reigning world champion crashed heavily in the final round of the World Cup in Hoogerheide on Sunday, suffering a small tear in her thigh muscle, and has fluid on her knee.
De Jong was confirmed by coach Gerben de Knegt as part of the five-woman team that the Netherlands will take to Luxembourg this week.
“I have to keep it in mind that, on Saturday, I will not participate in the World Championships,” De Jong told Omroepbrabant.nl.
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De Jong was at the head of a group of riders on the opening lap in Hoogerheide when she slipped out on a descent, landing on her left-hand side. It was immediately clear that the Dutchwoman had done some damage as she limped away, carrying her bike. She did attempt to continue but soon abandoned the race.
Following her abandon, De Jong went to hospital before heading home for further tests, wearing heavy strapping and support on her right leg. According to Omroepbrabant.nl, the pain has subsided slightly for De Jong, but she is still struggling to put any weight on her leg.
She is expected to travel with the Dutch team to Luxembourg, but a decision on her participation will not be made until the last minute. If De Jong does miss out, the Dutch are not without other strong options with seven-time cyclo-cross World Champion Marianne Vos in the line-up. Vos’ run of world titles ended in 2015 when she finished third to Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, struggling with a hamstring injury that would force her out of the road season entirely. She missed the last cyclo-cross season but has returned with a vengeance this time around. Vos has taken four victories in 2017 alone, including the national title and Sunday’s race in Hoogerheide.
— Thalita de Jong (@ThalitadeJong) January 22, 2017
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