Flückiger decides at short notice about World Championship start after appendix operation

Last Sunday, Mathias Flückiger had to have his appendix removed in an emergency. The operation went according to plan and the recovery process is going well. Whether the Olympic silver medallist from Tokyo will be able to compete in the cross-country race at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Andorra on Sunday will be decided at short notice.

For Mathias Flückiger, the high-altitude training camp in the Engadin to prepare for the MTB World Championships at the Pal Arinsal Ski and Bike resort in Andorra, around 2000 meters above sea level, took an unexpected turn. The 35-year-old Flückiger felt severe pain in his lower abdomen, went to hospital and had to undergo an appendix operation last Sunday.

The operation went according to plan and Flückiger was able to leave hospital on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday, he completed his first easy training session on his road bike. “I had an excellent feeling during preparation and don’t want to rule out a start at an early stage. If the healing process continues as planned, I would like to take my chance and start on Sunday. But I certainly won’t take any risks; health comes first,” says Flückiger.

Swiss Cycling doctor Patrik Noack is already with the Swiss delegation in Andorra. Flückiger, who won the World Cup in Andorra last year, will arrive tomorrow Friday. Whether he will be able to take part in the cross-country race on Sunday afternoon will be decided on site.