The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has learned of the serious accident suffered by Kristina Vogel during training at the Cottbus velodrome in Germany on Tuesday June 26th.
The multiple UCI World Champion and double Olympic Champion, from Germany, was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Berlin. The life of the 27-year-old athlete, a part-time police officer, is not in danger but the violence of the shock raises concerns of serious consequences regarding her mobility.
At the last UCI Track Cycling World Championships, in Apeldoorn (the Netherlands), Vogel claimed two gold medals to equal the record number of titles (11) held by Australian Anna Meares.
“We are all shocked by what has happened to Kristina, an outstanding champion and an ambassador for the discipline, for women in sport and for German cycling, declared the UCI President David Lappartient. Over and above her talent and her fighting spirit, her jovial character and vitality means she is an athlete that is liked and respected by all. It is thanks to these qualities that Kristina has come to represent her discipline and her fellow athletes on the UCI Track and Athletes’ Commissions. Our thoughts are with her and we extend our support to her in these difficult moments. We are convinced that the qualities that have made her a champion will help her face up to this ordeal with strength and determination."