07.30.10 - Canadian Tory Nyhaug Injured at the 2010 BMX World Championships

(Pietermaritzburg, RSA – July 30, 2010) - Canadian BMX rider Tory Nyhaug (Coquitlam, BC), a four-time World Champion and best chance for a medal for Canada at the 2010 UCI BMX World Championships this weekend in Pietermaritzburg, Republic of South Africa, will not participate in the finals of the junior category.

Nyhaug suffered from a perforated spleen yesterday as a result of a crash while training on the race track in Pietermaritzburg. Nyhaug was expected to contend for Gold in the junior category.

Nyhaug, the 2009 BMX Canadian Champion, was immediately transported to hospital and received immediate treatment from the medical authorities in South Africa. His health is improving and he is expected to be released from the hospital tomorrow, Saturday.

“We wish a fast and full recovery to Tory. We are all saddened to hear about the injury, but we know he received excellent care from the medical authorities in South Africa. We know Tory as a fighter and a determined young rider that loves to compete to win,” said Jacques Landry, Chief Technical Officer for the Canadian Cycling Association. “We will do everything in our powers to help Tory in his rehabilitation. Tory is a young promising athlete with hopes for strong performances at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.”

Nyhaug, 18 year old, is a four-time World Champion in BMX, within respective categories. He won World Championships races in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

Nyhaug’s rehabilitation is expected to last at least three months. The young BMX sensation will therefore miss the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. The Canadian Cycling Association has started the procedures to fill the spot left by Nyhaug for the international event.

Nyhaug will also miss the 2010 BMX Canadian Championships held on August 28th in Airdrie, Alberta.

-- Canadian Cycling Association --

MEDIA CONTACTS
Guy Napert-Frenette
Manager, Communications
Canadian Cycling Association
403-614-4275 | cycling@performancepr.ca