Olympic Cyclist Lucas Plapp Undergoes Surgery After Crash In Paris

Paris
Australian cyclist Lucas Plapp had abdominal surgery at a Paris hospital following a severe crash during the Olympic time trial on Saturday, as confirmed by sources, Australia’s cycling governing body.
Plapp, who started late on the 32.4-kilometer course, was performing well and was just two seconds behind leader Wout van Aert at the first checkpoint. However, Plapp’s bike slid out from under him on a technical section of the rain-slicked course, causing him to crash hard onto the pavement.
Although the crash was not shown on the race broadcast, sources reported that Plapp was conscious and moving afterward. He was taken to the hospital for precautionary scans, which revealed the need for abdominal surgery. Plapp’s parents and an Australian team doctor were present at the hospital.
Plapp slid under a barrier fence approximately 14 kilometers into the race. The 23-year-old, who won bronze in the team pursuit at the Tokyo Games, is the reigning national time trial and road race champion. He was expected to ride alongside Simon Clarke to support teammate Michael Matthews in the Olympic road race next Saturday.