Tour de France Femmes: Elisa Balsamo cleared to train following broken jaw, sets sights on Tour de France return

Updated 06/07/2023 at 08:17 GMT

Less than two months after sustaining a broken jaw in a crash at RideLondon in May, Lidl-Trek rider Elisa Balsamo is in contention to feature at this year’s Tour de France Femmes. Although she still requires treatment on her teeth following the incident, she has been given the green light to return to training. “Balsamo can see the light at the end of the tunnel," a team statement read.

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Lidl-Trek rider Elisa Balsamo has been given the green light to return to training following a broken jaw sustained at the RideLondon Classique in May.

Balsamo was involved in a crash during the opening stage in London on May 26 and underwent successful surgery to treat multiple compound fractures.

Lidl-Trek have confirmed that the 25-year-old will still require treatment on the teeth that were broken in the crash, but has made significant progress and is now in a position to prepare for her return to racing.

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A team statement wrote: "Over a month after the injuries sustained at RideLondon, most notably compound fractures of the right mandibular condyle and mandibular symphysis, that forced an abrupt pause in her season, Elisa Balsamo can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"After being given the green light by both the maxillo-facial surgeon and orthopaedic specialist, Elisa has now resumed training on the road.

"While she still requires dental treatment to fix the teeth broken in the crash, Elisa's focus can now shift from recovery to preparation for a return to racing.”

Naturally, the Tour de France Femmes is a target for Balsamo as she eyes a return to racing, but a final decision will be made before the event.

“Her ambition, one shared by Lidl-Trek, is the Tour de France Femmes however, the final decision on her participation will be decided closer to the event," the statement continued.

“After the Tour de France Femmes, her next goal will be to attend the World Championships in Glasgow."

Before the injury, Balsamo enjoyed a strong Spring Classics campaign where she came second at Trofeo Alfredo Binda and Classic Brugge-De Panne.

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