No knee problems in 17 years as a pro, and Thomas Voeckler breaks his knee cap riding to the beach with his son

At least he doesn't have to get back on a bike any time soon

Thomas Voeckler suffered a broken knee cap while riding to the beach
(Image credit: Sunada/Twitter/Thomas Voeckler)
By Henry Robertshaw
published

With training regimes racking up tens of thousands of miles per year, it's no surprise that a lot of professional riders suffer from knee pain.

However Thomas Voeckler was one of the lucky ones, never suffering any knee problems through 17 years as a professional rider, despite the punishing training and his eccentric riding style.

>>> Cycling knee pain: everything you need to know

Having retired after this year's Tour de France, Voeckler might have thought that the danger was behind him, but didn't bet on a ride down to the beach with his son, where he apparently fell off and fractured his right knee cap.

See more

"When you get through 17 years, and then going to the beach with your son and you fracture your knee," the former French rider wrote on Twitter.

If Voeckler wants to take any solace from the timing of the injury, then at least he won't have to rush to get back on a bike and try to train for another season of racing.

Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Latest