From insidetri.com:
"Duathlete Andrea Ratkovic injured on training ride
Professional duathlete and cyclist Andrea Ratkovic sustained a serious head injury Monday, March 18th from a fall incurred while riding through the country in her hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. Ratkovic, who was not wearing a helmet, was followed and attacked by two large dogs, which caused her to lose control of her bike and hit the pavement. Ratkovic's fall resulted in head wound, requiring eight staples, and a severe concussion that has left he athlete bed-ridden and unable to cycle or run.
"I'm not going to be able to train for a while," says Ratkovic. "I'm dizzy and lethargic. [My ability to race] will all depend on how my concussion comes along."
Ratkovic has yet to decide if she will still compete March 18th at the Pomona Valley Stage Race and Redlands Bicycle Classic, held in Redlands, California.
The two-time U.S. Duathlon National Champion has spent this past year training specifically for cycling due to an achilles tendon injury that has prevented her from running. Ratkovic, who now rides for TDS-Schwalbe High Speed Cycling, intends to vie for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team at this year's June trials.
Although this is her fourth head injury since turning pro in triathlon and duathlon in 2001, Ratkovic says her concussion could not have been prevented by wearing a helmet.
"But I'll probably be more vigilant about wearing my helmet," concludes Ratkovic."
The statement about the helmet not preventing the concussion caught my attention. I wonder how that could be. Can anybody explain?
"Duathlete Andrea Ratkovic injured on training ride
Professional duathlete and cyclist Andrea Ratkovic sustained a serious head injury Monday, March 18th from a fall incurred while riding through the country in her hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. Ratkovic, who was not wearing a helmet, was followed and attacked by two large dogs, which caused her to lose control of her bike and hit the pavement. Ratkovic's fall resulted in head wound, requiring eight staples, and a severe concussion that has left he athlete bed-ridden and unable to cycle or run.
"I'm not going to be able to train for a while," says Ratkovic. "I'm dizzy and lethargic. [My ability to race] will all depend on how my concussion comes along."
Ratkovic has yet to decide if she will still compete March 18th at the Pomona Valley Stage Race and Redlands Bicycle Classic, held in Redlands, California.
The two-time U.S. Duathlon National Champion has spent this past year training specifically for cycling due to an achilles tendon injury that has prevented her from running. Ratkovic, who now rides for TDS-Schwalbe High Speed Cycling, intends to vie for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team at this year's June trials.
Although this is her fourth head injury since turning pro in triathlon and duathlon in 2001, Ratkovic says her concussion could not have been prevented by wearing a helmet.
"But I'll probably be more vigilant about wearing my helmet," concludes Ratkovic."
The statement about the helmet not preventing the concussion caught my attention. I wonder how that could be. Can anybody explain?