Annemiek van Vleuten managed a smile for the Internet, thanking the world for its support after her horrific crash on descent at the women’s road race.
Van Vleuten, 30, was leading the race by a healthy margin when she skidded off a turn and crashed hard, allowing second-place American rider Mara Abbott to pass her.
She was reportedly “responsive and conscious”, but concerns were raised when it emerged that she was hospitalized in intensive care.
Van Vleuten took to Twitter later that night and early the next morning to tell fans she was spiritually stung but would physically be fine.
Thanks for all the messages. Hard to deal with my disappointment but also proud about our performance #teamNL pic.twitter.com/9uRaRniFV6
— Annemiek van Vleuten (@AvVleuten) August 9, 2016