Yvonne van Vlerken Collides with Car

Dutch triathlete Yvonne van Vlerken was a top contender for this weekend’s Cannes International Triathlon following her standout silver medal performance in Abu Dhabi last month. Van Vlerken broke her collarbone when she collided with a car while on a training ride near her home near Gouda in Holland.

She underwent surgery in Austria with sports traumatologist Dr. Christian Schenk and has already started mobilisation and training exercises. “It was a scary moment when I saw the car and I realized that I cannot brake in time,” she said. “I fell with full force on the right shoulder. The right clavicle got fractured. Accidents can always happen, of course it’s a shame, but I’m like everyone knows a very positive person and I will get the best out of this situation.

Although she will miss competing in Cannes, she hopes this experience will make her more mentally tough. “I’m already qualified for the Ironman Worlds in Hawaii so I don ́t need me to worry about that. I will use this time to develop mentally. After the pain in the last few days, an Ironman will probably never hurt the same again.”

Canadian pro Jenny Fletcher will be racing the half iron distance race in Cannes this weekend. The Alberta-born triathlete has already started her comeback from a year of illness with great performances at the Ironman 70.3  California where she finished 13th and at the South Beach Triathlon this past weekend where she was 14th.