Factory Toyota Hypercar racer Mike Conway will miss out on his 11th start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a cycling incident this week has left him with broken ribs and a fractured collarbone. Another high-profile cycling incident saw IndyCar driver David Malukas nerfed from his freshly inked contract with Arrow McLaren and miss the first six rounds of the IndyCar season, including last month’s Indy 500. If I had a nickel for every time a racing driver missed a triple crown event because of a cycling injury in 2024, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s strange that it happened twice.
Riding bicycles is incredibly risky, and for racing drivers who require all of their bones intact and aimed correctly to be truly effective, it’s probably not the best idea for maintaining their stamina during the season. Almost every professional racer is also a rider. Every grid on the planet from sports cars to F1 is filled with individuals who enhance their fitness on two wheels.
I’m not completely against taking risks. I ride motorcycles, after all. However, I can type words into a laptop from a hospital bed. It would be nearly impossible for Valtteri Bottas to finish outside the points in this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix if he were to fall off his bike and fracture a femur or something similar. When cycling jeopardizes your career in motorsport, your contracts, your sponsors, and your livelihood, is it still worth the risk?
With luck and effort Conway will recover to race again, though when is anybody’s guess at this point. And thankfully Malukas has gotten back in the saddle and will join the Meyer Shank Racing squad for the remainder of the 2024 season, taking over Tom Blomqvist’s now-vacated cockpit. Both have achieved relative success in their own right, but I hope these injuries don’t have long-term effects on their individual racing careers.
FAQ
1. Are cycling injuries common among racing drivers?
Cycling injuries have been increasingly reported among racing drivers, leading to missed races and disrupted schedules.
2. How can racing drivers balance their fitness routines without risking injuries?
Racing drivers can explore alternative fitness methods that are less risky, such as swimming or strength training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prevalence of cycling injuries among racing drivers highlights the need for them to reconsider their fitness routines. While cycling is a popular choice for many drivers, the risks involved can have serious consequences on their careers. It’s important for drivers to prioritize their safety and well-being while maintaining their physical fitness for optimal performance on the track.
