Ben Swift (Ineos Grenadiers) has revealed he is already back riding outdoors and completing four-hour rides, just three weeks after fracturing his pelvis in a crash at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on February 28.
Speaking on the Watts Occurring podcast, the 38-year-old British road captain said he is making "pretty fast progress" in his recovery having just spent four hours on the road before recording. Swift spent five days in hospital after the crash, completed a week on the turbo trainer, and has since returned to outdoor riding, with sessions now stretching to four hours.
"It's been amazing how like quickly I've recovered," Swift said. "I spent like five days in hospital and then just did a week on the turbo and back on the road now."
Swift said he is taking a cautious approach despite the encouraging signs. "Obviously, we got to take caution. Be careful. Like don't do anything too crazy," he said. Neither he nor Ineos Grenadiers has published a return-to-racing date or confirmed any upcoming programme.
A fractured pelvis is one of cycling's more disruptive injuries because it affects load-bearing capacity, pedalling stability and comfort in the saddle, and usually requires months of recovery. The fact that he is tolerating prolonged road rides within roughly three weeks of the injury suggests an impressive recovery timeline.
Crash-heavy Omloop
Swift's fracture came during a brutal day of racing at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, which saw 39 DNFs in the men's race and 28 in the women's field across several high-speed incidents. Tudor Pro Cycling's Stefan Küng also suffered a major fracture in the same race.
Ineos Grenadiers confirmed the injury the following day: "Following Ben Swift's crash at Omloop Nieuwsblad yesterday, medical examinations have confirmed he has sustained a fractured pelvis. He is currently under the care of our medical team, and we wish him a smooth and speedy recovery."
Swift's absence carries weight beyond his individual results. As an experienced road captain, he contributes race organisation and positioning for the team during the spring campaign. Ineos Grenadiers have been reshuffling plans since the early-season injury wave, and a quicker-than-expected return from Swift would likely restore a voice they rely on in the peloton.
Cover image credit: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
