From Broken Bones to the WorldTour: Lauren Magner’s Inspiring Return to Pro Cycling
Lauren Magner, a veteran of the professional cycling world, is poised for a remarkable comeback. After a devastating crash left her with a punctured lung, fractured ribs, and a broken sternum, the American rider has signed a contract with EF Education-Oatly, a team on the cusp of joining cycling’s elite WorldTour. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep passion for the sport.
Magner’s recovery has been progressing well. “All my fractures are healing pretty well, and my mobility is getting a lot better. It was really bad,” she shared, underscoring the severity of her injuries. Remarkably, she signed her contract with EF Education-Oatly on the very day she was discharged from the hospital – a powerful motivator during a challenging time.
A career Interrupted, Then reimagined
This new chapter comes as her previous team, Cynisca Cycling, faces funding uncertainties. EF Education-Oatly’s anticipated jump to the WorldTour presents a significant chance for Magner to return to the highest level of competition.
Before stepping away, Magner enjoyed six prosperous seasons with Canyon-SRAM. Highlights included a victory at the Drentse Acht van Westerveld in 2018, and strong performances with second-place finishes at Omloop het Nieuwsblad and the Ronde van Drenthe.
Tho, in 2021, she made the difficult decision to step back from the WorldTour. “I was really burned out when I left the WorldTour, so I stepped back to just find myself again,” Magner explained. She spent time racing domestically with L39ION of Los Angeles, recharging and rediscovering her love for the sport. Last year, she felt ready to return to Europe and pursue her ambitions once more.
More Than Just Racing: A Mentor’s Outlook
Magner’s return isn’t solely about personal achievement. She’s eager to leverage her experience to support the next generation of cyclists.
“Being older and having that experience, I want to give back to the younger riders coming up,” she stated. Her motivation is twofold:
* Reaching her full potential: Magner is steadfast to compete at the highest level and prove she still has what it takes.
* Mentorship and guidance: She wants to share the lessons learned throughout her career, both the triumphs and the mistakes, to help younger riders navigate the challenges of professional cycling.
She acknowledges the road ahead will be demanding. Competing at the worldtour level requires dedication and time. However,she’s excited by the opportunity to contribute to a talented team and support her teammates.
A Future Focused on Teamwork and Growth
“It’s not lost on me that it’s going to be a very hard road to be at the pointy end of the race and competitive at the WorldTour level,” Magner admits. “I know it’s going to take some time, but just having the opportunity to be there, giving my best in every race, and being a super supportive teammate to all these talented riders on the squad is incredibly exciting.”
Lauren Magner’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Her journey from a serious injury to a WorldTour contract is inspiring,and her commitment to mentorship promises to enrich the cycling community for years to come. You can expect to see her not only striving for personal success, but also actively shaping the future of the sport, one ride at a time.
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