Photo via Cyclingnews

Geerike Schreurs undergoes surgery after suffering two fractured vertebrae in Gravel World Championships crash

Dutch cyclist Geerike Schreurs suffered serious injuries during the UCI Gravel World Championships after crashing just 70 kilometers from the finish in the 125.6km race. The incident occurred while she was chasing the lead group, colliding with Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and fracturing two vertebrae in her neck and back.

Schreurs underwent emergency surgery on Sunday, which was reported as successful, with medical updates indicating controlled pain and restored movement in her limbs. Despite her strong 2026 season—highlighted by wins at Gravel Desert by The Traka, Core4 Iowa, Lauf Gravel Worlds, and multiple UCI Gravel World Series rounds—her championship hopes ended abruptly.

The Dutch federation confirmed she remains hospitalized for at least two more weeks, with recovery timelines still uncertain but her determination to return to racing already evident.

Schreurs, 37, had capped a standout gravel season with podium finishes at The Mid South and Unbound Gravel 200 before the crash. Her crash partner, Moolman-Pasio, was also involved in the fall, though her condition was not detailed.

The federation emphasized Schreurs’ resilience, noting her immediate focus on resuming cycling despite the lengthy rehabilitation ahead. Her 2026 campaign had already included top-20 placements at the past two Gravel World Championships, reinforcing her status as a consistent contender in the discipline.

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