Dutch sprinter will need six weeks absolute rest; abandons plans for Olympic track bid
Thorough medical examinations have revealed that Theo Bos (Rabobank) is suffering from a pinched vein in the left side of his groin and will require surgery to fix the problem. The Dutch sprinter will go under the knife at the Máxima Medisch Centrum (MMC) in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on Monday November 14th, and will need six weeks of absolute rest.
“Of course it’s a frustration for me, because I feel I was making steps,” said the 28-year-old Dutchman. “Because of the long-term rehabilitation needed, I have decided to abandon my Olympic ambitions on the track. It’s with a heavy heart, but I must also remain realistic.”
Since switching from the track in 2009 – where he is a five-time World champion in the sprint, the Keirin and the kilometre – he has had difficulty in translating his considerable speed on the boards to the tarmac. Since returning to Rabobank, this year though, having spent his first road season with the Dutch team’s Continental squad, Bos has begun to have more success; taking victories in the Tour of Oman, the Post Danmark Rundt, and the Dutch Food Valley Classic.
Bos’ recent forays on the track have seen him switch from sprinting to the endurance events; riding some Six Day races, and taking the bronze medal in the World championship Madison, with compatriot Peter Schep. He had entertained thoughts of competing in the Omnium in the Olympic Games in London next summer, but had expressed doubts that it would be possible.
With the date of his return to competition now uncertain, Bos has completely abandoned all hope of taking an Olympic track medal – to add to the silver he took in the sprint in Athens in 2004 – but, with the road race expected to finish in a sprint, he still stands a chance of road glory.