Steven de Jongh says he will be back after suffering severe concussion in crash
A major search operation was launched after de Jongh’s wife reported him missing
Trek-Segafredo directeur sportif Steven de Jongh says he will be back after he went missing and suffered a severe concussion following a crash in Spain.
The retired racer turned director was reported missing by his wife on Monday, October 15 after he didn’t return from a training ride near Girona.
Emergency services launched a search and the 44-year-old was found unconscious in a ravine by rescue helicopter.
Posting on Instagram a week after the crash, de Jongh said: “One week ago around this time, family and friends were very happy with the news I was found.
“Thanks to my great wife Renee who responded so quickly.”
He added: “My health is going in the right direction but I know it will take time to come back. But I will be back.”
De Jongh thanked his Trek-Segafredo team, the emergency services, and people on Strava and Twitter for their help in finding him.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
De Jongh’s wife Renee posted on Twitter asking for help in finding her husband after he did not return from a ride.
His Strava had stopped recording around 60km into the route and the ride had been uploaded to the site.
De Jongh was found by rescue teams and taken to hospital.
He was discharged the following day.
Trek-Segafredo said on Twitter: “Steven was discharged from the hospital this afternoon.
“He will further rest and recover from his injuries at home.
“He’s still very much affected by what happened and is overwhelmed by all your kind messages and support and says ‘thank you’ to all of you.”
De Jongh is a retired professional who rode for Rabobank, Quick-Step and Sky during his career from 1995 to 2010.
He worked as a directeur sportif with Team Sky before leaving the team for Tinkoff, then joining Trek-Segafredo in 2016.
Thank you for reading 20 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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
What’s in the Q36.5 move for Tom Pidcock, and what’s next?
Having bade farewell to Ineos Grenadiers, the 25-year-old should have freedom next year to do what he wants, but will that help?
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to 'causing likelihood of harm' after death of wife Melissa Hoskins
Former pro enters guilty plea to downgraded charge
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Celebrated pro triathlete Taylor Knibb fourth in her Trek-Segafredo debut
Triathlon star Taylor Knibb signed with Trek-Segafredo mid-season to combine a short road racing calendar with her existing triathlon schedule.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rider who shot former head of state's cat has Trek-Segafredo contract terminated
Antonio Tiberi was previously suspended without pay, but now fired after his actions during suspension did not meet team's criteria
By Adam Becket Published
-
New Trek Ballista is brand's ‘fastest, most aerodynamic’ helmet yet
Company drew on pros expertise in designing new lid
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek-Segafredo get excited about kit, and Tadej Pogačar raps
It might be the off season, but there are still a couple of things happening, kind of
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This was my most beautiful victory' - Giulio Ciccone overwhelmed by Giro d'Italia win
The Italian powered to an impressive solo victory on stage 15 of the Giro on Sunday
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Which WorldTour team has the best kit for 2022? We take a look through the wardrobe
Now almost all the kits are out, here are our measured ratings of racing kit ahead of the 2022 season
By Adam Becket Published