Kim Lecourt (AG Insurance-Soudal) has opted to end her season early, abandoning her participation in the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in order to recover from a wrist injury sustained in a crash at the Spring Classic in Ghent-Wevelgem.

The decision to end the season early was made after consulting with AG Insurance-Surdal's medical team with a view to his long-term recovery and future return to competition.

“In March, I suffered a minor crash in Gent-Wevelgem, but it didn't seem serious until I raced in Flanders the following weekend. It was then that I realized something was wrong. It got worse in Roubaix, and by the time I got to the Amstel Gold Race, the pain in my wrist was unbearable,” Lecourt said.

“Then tests revealed a torn navicular ligament. I then returned to South Africa to rest, but the pain returned at Volta a Catalunya.”

Despite racing with injuries, Lecourt finished 13th in Ghent-Wevelgem, 23rd in Tour de Flanders, and 10th in Paris-Roubaix. Although he did not finish the Amstel Gold Race, he returned to racing at RideLondon in May and finished fourth overall at the Volta a Catalunya in June.

He won both the road race and time trial at the Mauritius Championships and took a stage win at the Giro d'Italia. He represented Japan at the Paris Olympics and last competed in the Tour de France Femmes in August.

“I managed to overcome the pain and took my first professional win in the Giro. But after the Tour de France, I decided to end the season to properly deal with the injury. I will see a doctor in South Africa this week to determine the best treatment for my wrist,” Lecourt said.

After consultation with her medical team, she has decided not to compete at the World Championships in Zurich from September 21 to 29.

“It really hurts me to miss the World Championships. Competing in the road World Championships was a major goal for me this year. The course suited my strengths perfectly and I was incredibly motivated after this season,” Lecourt said.

“After the disappointment of the Olympics, it was important for me to prove myself, not only for myself but also for my country. This was a big moment. But I need to look at the bigger picture and take a step back now to move forward stronger and focus fully on 2025."

Le Court's advice to others in dealing with injuries was to focus on the positive. She said, “Look back at what you've accomplished, how far you've come, and focus on what's next.” [That's] the quickest way to move forward. I also believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Things happen for a reason, and even if you don't understand it now, eventually it will all make sense.”