news

In cycling, fortunes change on the flip of a coin. It’s a part of the great beauty of the sport, but also a danger. 

In March, as Trofeo Alfredo Binda was coming to its conclusion and the top athletes were coming to the fore, Thalita de Jong was caught up in a crash when a spectator, misjudging the race speeds, collided with the group. Lucky to avoid the carnage, Fem Van Empel (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) quickly showed the other side of this glorious sport. A potential race winner, the Dutch athlete stopped and helped with immediate care to her compatriot.  

De Jong was not so lucky, however, sustaining a broken collarbone in a crash she says she can “still see in front” of her. 49 days later, de Jong is back in the saddle and will be on the start line for the opening team trial in Barcelona at La Vuelta. 

The quick turnaround is testament to her character and the support she has received from staff and team partners during her recovery. 

“When I look back, as well as seeing the crash, I also see how the team helped me,” de Jong explains. “They arranged everything super quickly. The day after, I took a flight to Cologne for surgery, and there was no pain at all.”

The question then turned to recovery and building towards her first goal back from injury, the opening Grand Tour of the season. How does an athlete get back to their best? 

Fresh out of surgery, de Jong spun away atop her Wahoo KiCKR home trainer on her OSTRO VAM rigged with spacers for an upright, easygoing ride.

“We started with two sessions a day,” she says. “It was better for the recovery. There were, of course, hard days as well, but I didn’t lose too much compared to what could have been.”

As the weeks passed, she slammed the bars lower and lower, dialing in her race position.

“I had one week on the trainer with the super high position, and then two or three times on the road like that. Then I was back to my normal position. Two weeks after surgery, I was outside.  This was quicker than I thought it would be.”

Unfortunately – or fortunately – this is not de Jong’s first rodeo.

“In the past, I’ve had injuries, so I knew what to do,” she explains. “Especially when it comes to patience and taking my time. I keep following the schedule and our team doctor’s advice. I believe it, don’t worry, and stay positive.”

A huge presence in de Jong’s life is her dog Jente. She is ever-present at races in Belgium and is a huge boost to mentality.

“In the first days, she had to stay with my partner’s parents because I didn’t want her to jump on me. Afterwards [she says with a chuckle], it was a great idea to have her to help with my  mobility – using my arm to throw the ball for her.”

Her nutrition regimen was also an important factor. 

“A few more high-protein foods help recovery, but I kept it consistent. A high-carb diet and regular fueling for training.”

Her recovery was aided by Momentous. 

“I use Collagen Peptides and protein shakes after rides,” she says. “I use the night shakes and Creatine, which all help in muscle and cognitive function.”

Collagen is also a year-round supplement for de Jong.

“As women, we naturally have lower collagen levels, so it’s one of those ‘small things’ that add up. I use it when I feel a little difference in my body, like when muscles change after a new bike or new shoes.”

What advice would she give to anyone else in the process?

“Just listen to your body,” she says. “Give yourself time. Don’t rush. Staying positive can always be a hard thing, but in the end, that’s the most important. Keep believing in your recovery process and that you will be back soon. Try not to overthink things, and follow the tips of doctors. Most importantly, listen to your body.”

Our fans can level up their own wellness or recovery journey with Momentous — get 15% off via the Human Powered Health shop when you create an account.