Mitch Docker still hopes to race Paris Roubaix despite broken elbow in Benelux Tour

Mitch Docker still hopes to race Paris Roubaix despite broken elbow in Benelux Tour

Mitch Docker announced in May that 2021 would be the final season of his 13-year professional career, stating on his Instagram that the postponement of Paris Roubaix to October was a “blessing in disguise”. Unfortunately, while racing the Benelux Tour in the Netherlands on Thursday Docker hit the ground and broke his elbow.

“There was a mass pile-up at KM0 and I was one of many guys that fell there,” Docker told CyclingTips. “I had pain in my arm but I wanted to finish the stage, we had an important job to defend the lead and I wanted to give myself the chance to continue with the race. The pain worsened as the stage went on, I was dropped but made it through the stage. I was then hopeful it was tendon damage or something, not race ending. A precautionary Xray told otherwise.”

The X-ray showed a fracture in Docker’s elbow, and the decision was made to put it in a cast right away. Docker hopes to get back into training as soon as he can, with the major focus being a final start at Paris Roubaix in October.

“Pretty annoying but not disastrous,” Docker said.

Docker’s first Paris Roubaix appearance was in 2009 with Skil – Shimano. Since then Docker has participated in nine editions, his top result was 15th in 2011. The race has always been a key moment of Docker’s season, so ending his career there is something extra special.

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