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Portrait of a Fighter

By Adam Ulrich

Bad news spread like wildfire: Jiri Jezek, the world’s most successful handicapped cyclist, suffered multiple serious injuries when he crashed near the finish line of the Para-cycling Road World Championship in Greenville, USA.

His injuries include a bruised lung, crushed ribs, several broken bones and fractured teeth. Following the first surgery, he is now in induced coma. We all hope Jiri will recover soon! After all, he is a true fighter and he has been proving that for many years.

jezek
(Jiri celebrates after winning the gold medal during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Photo: Profimedia.cz)

Jiri lost his leg in a car crash when he was 10 years old, but he never gave up and became incredibly successful: Besides being a six-time World Championship winner, he also won six Paralympic golden medals.

Another great moment in Jiri’s cycling career came in 2013 when he participated in the famous Tour de France as an official forerunner of time trial. This was thanks to his long-term support by SKODA. May he race again soon!

Tour de France 2013, SKODA-AUTO, a.s.
(Jiri during the 2013 Tour de France. Photo: skoda-auto.com)

In the following days, WeLoveCycling.com will bring you an incredible story of another handicapped rider. Stay tuned!