On November 21, former Unbound Gravel 200 champion Ivar Slik (Wilier Triestina), allowed himself a moment to acknowledge a six-month anniversary. The date was exactly half a year since his 2024 season ended abruptly on a training ride in the US. He was 11 days away from competing for a fourth time in Emporia, Kansas at Unbound 200, but instead, ended up in a hospital with a long road to recovery.
"It took a really long time and the last weeks I can say it's back to normal," the multi-discipline Dutch racer told Cyclingnews. "I am super motivated for next year and I am full of ambition. I want to at least equal my 2022 season and the prospects are good. This year was a big setback but I have been working very hard since then and I am looking forward to next year with great confidence."
