Cannondale Racing rider Sue Clarke is to undergo spinal surgery

"It has been a very frustrating time for me. When I initially injured my back in November 2009, I followed my usual route of seeing the best team of therapists who have always managed to 'rebuild' me in the past. It was Martin Earley who suggested I go for an MRI scan as things were not improving as they should have been. The MRI revealed a large tear in the annular wall of my disc (L5/S1). "

Clarke sought out one of the best spinal surgeons in the country, Dr Harding of the Frenchay hospital in Bristol. "I had a discogram earlier this week, the results of which confirm the findings of the MRI. I have every faith in Dr Harding. He will perform a disc replacement  later this year & is confident I will be back on my bike & competitive again next year.

"I am doing all I can to maintain fitness. I am swimming most days & have really started to enjoy it. Initially it was a way to increase my core strength in a safe environment, but now I am feeling like a decent swimmer & would like to see where this takes me. I had a go at a few open water swims this summer which was a refreshing change for me. Next year I would like to try my hand at a few triathlons & ex-terra type events, plus some marathons. The swimming has actually given me a lot of relief from the pain. I go from not being able to put on my shoes in the morning, to being a lot more functional when I exit the pool."

"I would just like to thank everyone at Cannondale for being so supportive of me during this time. I still remain a part of the team despite not being able to currently compete. That really says something to me about how committed they are to their riders. Before my injury occurred & in its early stages I was chasing around the world amassing the majority of UCI points for GB to qualify Olympic places. The majority of these trips were self funded. When I had to stop racing due to the sheer amount of pain I was in I was not once contacted by anyone from the GB MTB squad. I find this very disappointing & thoughtless. At least I know my hard work will not go to waste. GB will secure a female place at next years' Olympics for the first time in 12 years. I know part of that is down to some of my input."

"This is the second time that injury has put me out of the running for an Olympic place. But in some ways it has made it easier to deal with second time around. Barrie (Clarke, husband, ex-raleigh pro) has helped me put things into perspective, to be proud of my achievements & remain positive about the future. It will be a hard road back for me, but I am treating it as another mountain to climb, confident that I will eventually reach the summit!"

We Wish Sue Clarke well and will keep you posted on her progress. We look forward to her return to the race scene!

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