"It could have been much worse" - Dylan Groenewegen struck by motorbike in head-on collision while training
CyclingTuesday, 08 September 2026 at 09:36
Unibet Rose Rockets sprinter Dylan Groenewegen was struck by a motorbike in a head-on collision while training in the Netherlands on Monday. The expereinced rider has suffered minor injuries but is relieved as he claimed it could have ended differently.
Preparing for some late season goals, the collision took place on a roundabout when a motorbike did not yield for the cyclist, hitting Groenewegen. The 33-year-old suffered a muscle tear and his race schedule has now been pushed back to recover.
Opening up about the incident, Groenewegen admits he feels lucky that the complications from the crash aren't worse as he shared pictures of his bike after the crash.
"Unfortunately, my training ride ended in an accident today," the Dutchman said.
"I was involved in a collision with a motorcyclist and suffered a muscle tear around my ribs. Luckily, I escaped without any more serious injuries and feel fortunate that the consequences weren’t worse."
Muscle tear could affect sprinter's schedule
While still able to train at a less strenuous pace, the crash throws his initial schedule into doubt. He had planned to start the semi-classic GP Fourmies in France, but is now unlikely to feature.
He added: "I’m still able to ride my @rose_bikes [bicycle, Ed.], although the pain around my ribs makes it difficult to say what the injury will mean for my upcoming races. We’ll monitor how it develops and assess the situation accordingly.
"It could have been much worse, so I’m grateful to have come away from the accident with relatively minor injuries. Again A reminder to please always wear your helmet!."
A muscle tear is usually a serious injury for a sprinter, who rely on their explosivity in a dash to the line to take results. Groenewegen was already left disappointed at the recent Renewi Tour after being involved in a crash at the end of stage 2.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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