'Something the initial hospital dismissed' – Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash

Australian cyclist Brodie Chapman has been diagnosed with a fractured pelvis following a crash during the Tour of Flanders. The 35-year-old, competing in the race for the first time since 2022, was involved in a solo incident with 53 kilometres remaining, near the Eikenberg climb. Chapman was forced off the road and tumbled over a hedgerow before hitting the ground hard, an accident that initially appeared less severe after preliminary checks at a local hospital. Despite the early medical clearance, further scans revealed the pelvic fracture, an injury that Chapman herself suspected at the time of the crash due to significant pain around her hip. She emphasised the importance of self-advocacy in recognising the seriousness of her condition, noting that the initial hospital assessment had dismissed the injury. Fortunately, no other injuries were sustained, allowing her to focus solely on recovery from the pelvic fracture. Chapman’s recent form had been promising, with strong performances earlier in the season including a fifth-place overall finish at the Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina and second in the Australian Time Trial Championships. Now, she will return to her base in Andorra to begin rehabilitation, with an uncertain timeline for her return to competition. Chapman plans to maintain fitness through indoor training while managing her recovery day by day, acknowledging the disappointment but remaining optimistic about her comeback. The support from her UAE Team ADQ medical staff and teammates has been crucial during this challenging period, as Chapman expressed gratitude for their efforts in securing a proper diagnosis and care. She intends to spend some recovery time in Spain before gradually shifting her season goals to accommodate her injury. While the crash marks a setback, her measured approach and positive outlook suggest she will aim to resume racing when fully ready.