On Sunday, the van Vleuten’s living room was packed with family, not only to watch Annemiek compete in the Olympics for the women’s road race, but to celebrate the birthday of her mother Ria.
Someone stated the obvious to Ria, “Wouldn’t it be a nice birthday present if Annemiek wins.”
She came awfully close.
Annemiek van Vleuten was in the lead until the final descent of the Vista Chinesa when she lost control and a devastating crash sent her to the hospital.
Ria van Vleuten told RTL News, “I thought she was dead. She was lying there in such a strange position.”
Annemiek ended up with a concussion and three fractures to her spine, but she seems to be in good spirits, tweeting from her hospital bed.
Last year, also on her mother’s birthday, Annemiek was hit by a car during training. She broke three ribs and her collarbone.
Next year, maybe Annemiek could take the day off.