Elisa Balsamo eyes Paris in her recovery from horror Vuelta crash: "The Olympic dream is still there and it is burning stronger than before"

It's been just a short while since the latest update on Elisa Balsamo, but to her fans, it must have felt like an eternity. The former world champion had to undergo surgery to treat the several injuries she suffered in a scary crash during the opening stage of La Vuelta Femenina.

However the newest update is the best one we could have received as the Lidl-Trek rider herself informed on her latest progress on her Instagram. Of course, considering the severity of her injuries, immediate return to competition is not possible, however Balsamo is still optimistic about her appearance at the Olympic race in Paris. In just two months.

"I introduce this post with a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has written to me, showed your love to me and sent their best wishes. It has been a difficult two weeks, I won't deny it. A roller-coaster of emotions. From fear to sorrow, from anger to hope," she wrote.

"The only constant has been the determination to get up, once again. It will take time, patience and sacrifice. But thanks to the help of extraordinary people and the affection I feel around me, I know I can do it."

"At the moment I cannot make any predictions about my return. The Olympic dream is still there and it is burning stronger than before. But now, unfortunately, I have more hopes than certainties. I live the present focused on recovery. The worst is over and now I am turning disappointment and anger into strength. Once again, thank you all. We will talk soon, I promise!"