Wow. What a race! I think the cat 3/4 field filled up and so it was a big group with some strong riders. WV was represented by 4 riders including myself. After a few attacks it was obvious that nothing was going to stick, so I got the bright idea of having a leadout train for our designated sprinter, John. I like being up front or in breaks because accidents never happen there.
Well, last lap and 4 WV riders move to the front. I am doing a lot of pulling trying to keep the pace up so that we could pull off the leadout. There was an attack, but I was not going to react to it as I knew that there was not likely to be anyone there who could beat me in a TT, especially with backup, and so I let it go. Things were picking up speed and a couple guys actually moved to the frotn to share some work. As I got to the front again, something happened. I am still trying to piece it all together.
I know that someone cut across in front of me and took out my front wheel hard, not just an accidental brush. I remember falling and flipping several times. I believe it was at this point I was struck in the back by a bike but I am not sure. I knew that when I finally stopped flipping and sliding, I was still in the road with a 35mph peloton bearing down on me (ok, so they probable were breaking to slow for the crash, but I wasn't taking that chance). I jumped off of the road into the weeds and just lay there so that I could assess what had happened.
I knew I had hit my head but did not get knocked out. I was worried obviously about my neck but nothing seems to be wrong. I could not breath well and so thought likley I had broken some ribs. I also after a short assessment realized that my right collarbone was cracked. There were three WV riders above me checking on me and making sure I was ok. There were also riders from other teams. I want to thank them all for their support and concern. I owe you all!!!
Final assessment, is 3-5 broken ribs, and a cleanly broken right collarbone. I still don't know how the bike is other than a broken fork. Giro Atmos suffered four large cracks and numerous scrapes. I don't know if it saved my life, but it is certainly possible as I remember hitting my head and it was not anything I would like to do without a helmet. Jersey and bibs are trashed and I have lots of scrapes. Unfortunately, there is nothing to do for any of these, so I am walking (gingerly) around with broken bones everywhere. Hopefully the collarbone will not require surgery.
Thanks again to everyone for the support. I plan to be back on the bike if I can be in about two weeks and maybe even be ready for a september race or two, assuming no surgery. If anyone knows who cut me off, I would really appreciate knowing who it was, not for revenge, but to certainly give them a stern talking to about safety. If anyone can help me piece this together, let me know what happened, who else may have been hurt, etc., I would certainly appreciate it. Best of luck everyone, stay strong, stay safe.