Jonas Rikaart (Alpecin-Dekonink) is back again after a second operation on a pinched femoral artery. “Hopefully I can compete again at the end of March or the beginning of April. I’m excited to get the most out of it again,” says the sprint pilot from his winter training period in Spain.
Jonas Rikaart, 28, became one of the world’s best sprinters until a pinched femoral artery caused him misery last season.
An operation in June seemed, at first glance, successful. But a few months into the competition, the problem reared its ugly head again.
Rikaart tells his story: “Investigations afterward showed that there was still a torsion of the femoral artery.”
“Either you stop or you have another operation. Then you choose your job and take the risk.”
On December 1, Rikaart was on the operating table for the second time. “According to the doctors, the operation was a success. But whether it ended all over is difficult to say.”
Doctors say: “I still feel very stiff every day. But that will be due to my daily fitness exercises.”
“My first training the day before yesterday was very confrontational.”
How does Ricart rehabilitation progress? “I’ve been cycling again for a week and a half.”
“The day before yesterday I rode outside for the first time and did 50 km. It is
Very confrontational: My wattage is okay, but my heart rate is skyrocketing.
That’s how I noticed I’ve come a really long way.”
“But I also see myself changing every day and my body getting stronger
Positive story.
My biggest goal is to create a Tour List. This means that everything is over.
When will Rickart appear racing next season? “I personally hope for the end of March, the beginning of April.”
“The team might like it to be done a little earlier. But I don’t suppose. I just want to take it easy, because I came back last time too quickly.”
Ricart has already painted July red. My biggest goal is Pick a tour and I think that’s achievable.”
“Participating in a Tour would be a great victory for me. That means it’s all over.”
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