Injuries force Cheatley off the bike for the season

Injuries have forced leading New Zealand road cyclist Catherine Cheatley to pull the pin on her season.

 The 28 year old US National Series Champion will return to Wanganui next week to continue her rehabilitation and prepare for next year.

Cheatley, who won two races at the start of the US season, has suffered from a series of misfortunes including health issues with a wisdom tooth and then two crashes during racing. The last one resulted in a double fracture to her pelvis and hip.

She has worked with the BikeNZ medical team and after consultation and support from BikeNZ along with her US professional team Colavita Forno D’Asolo, she has decided that it is best to return to New Zealand.

“It’s been really disappointing. Last year was just so good for me winning the US National Series and I was in great shape coming into the season here after winning the New Zealand Road Championships in January,” Cheatley said.

“But crashes are part of this sport. They happen. And may be it happened for a reason and I need the break.

“I am just pleased to have made the decision and looking forward to getting home and making a speedy and full recovery.”

Cheatley said she will now work in her recovery before plotting her return to the sport with her eyes firmly fixed on next year’s London Olympics.

“That is the big goal for sure. I know it is a course that I can do well on and I will do everything to ensure I get there and in shape to do something special.”