Cyclist Michael Matthews wins world silver after two broken wrists
Michael Matthews, 36, claimed silver at the world road race in Montreal months after breaking both wrists.
Canberra's Michael Matthews finished second at the world championship road race in Montreal on Monday, capping an astonishing comeback from injuries that nearly ended his career. A blood clot in his lung sidelined him last year.
At the start of 2026 he broke both wrists in a training crash. Despite that, Matthews had the legs to hold off elite rivals.
He claimed silver, his fourth world medal and 11th across his 18-year career. Brandon McNulty won the tough six-hour race, the first US victory since Lance Armstrong in 1993.
Matthews, who turned 36 a day before the race, was overcome at the finish line. He credited his wife's support through his broken-wrist recovery and his team's belief that a comeback could happen.
The veteran, nicknamed Bling for his medal collection, said he left everything on the road.
- Michael Matthews
- Cyclist
- 36
- Age
- Silver medal
- Finish
- 11 across 18-year career
- World medals total
Why it mattersA career comeback from multiple serious injuries shows resilience and determination. Matthews' result proves fitness can come back after months of setback.
AustraliaAn Australian cyclist achieved a medal at the sport's biggest race, adding to the nation's cycling pedigree and inspiring others facing injury recovery.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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