Ellen van Dijk out with ankle fracture from training accident: "All my efforts are focused on the Olympics, and this is the last thing you want to happen"

Lidl-Trek's Ellen van Dijk has been involved in a crash in training and suffered a fracture to her right ankle that will require a surgery. Seven weeks ahead of her major season goal, the time trial at the Paris Olympic Games, it is far from the best timing, if there even is such thing as good timing for an injury.

Van Dijk’s team revealed the news of her crash and injury on Friday evening, confirming that it had happened earlier in the week whilst the Dutchwoman was training. She was taken to hospital where the fracture was found.

"The surgery will be performed early next week by a specialist with the Dutch national federation. Lidl-Trek and the Dutch federation have a recovery plan already in place which, following successful completion of the surgery, will allow Ellen to return to normal training within two weeks and keep focusing on her preparation for the Olympic Games," Lidl-Trek’s statement read. "Post-surgery Ellen will continue to be monitored by the performance team and medical staff at Lidl-Trek as well as at the national federation."

"Of course, I am incredibly disappointed. All my efforts are focused on the Olympics, and this is the last thing you want to happen," Van Dijk said about the setback. "I am in good hands with the medical and performance staff of both Lidl-Trek and KNWU, and we will do everything we can to ensure I am fit at the start in Paris."