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Bermudian cyclist Kaden Hopkins faced agony and pride in equal measure after a dramatic crash denied him a second stage victory at the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe, resulting in a broken collarbone for the second time this season.
Hopkins was producing a sensational ride in the individual time-trial, setting a blistering pace that looked certain to secure him the stage win. However, disaster struck on a fast downhill corner when the Atom 6 Bikes - Cycleur de Luxe - Auto Stroo Continental Team rider went down heavily.
Refusing to let the spill end his effort on the road, Hopkins remounted a spare bike from his team support car and fought valiantly to the finish line, incredibly missing out on the winning time by a mere two seconds.
The extent of his injuries became clear shortly after the stage, as Hopkins was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where scans confirmed a broken collarbone.
Despite the painful setback, the Bermudian powerhouse remains typically defiant. Speaking from his hospital bed, Hopkins confirmed he will travel back to Spain for surgery and expects to be back training on his bike just a week after the procedure, mirroring his swift recovery from the same injury earlier in the year.
The rider’s team and support staff expressed immense gratitude to the race medics, the local Guadeloupe supporters who have backed Hopkins throughout his years competing in the event, and his support team both on the ground and back in Spain.
Hopkins’ display of sheer grit and determination under immense physical pain cements his reputation as one of the most resilient riders in the peloton as he begins his road to recovery once again.
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