A Timely Reminder To Take Concussion Seriously

We’ve already seen Tahnee Seagrave withdraw from the Fort William World Cup this weekend due to concussion, and we’re hearing rumours that perhaps there’ll be at least one more rider on the current start list who will not be riding. Myriam Nicole has also posted that she’s only just back to riding at intensity due to concussion after Lourdes. Riding at the pace and technicality the pros do, knocks to the head are almost inevitable, and awareness that you shouldn’t just get back out there and ride seems to be growing.

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A post shared by Tahnée Seagrave (@tahneeseagrave)

It’s been a while since I logged on here… I won’t be racing the World Cup this weekend 😔 After having Covid I had a huge crash 3 weeks ago and suffered a concussion and I won’t be taking any risks when it comes to the 🧠

I feel it’s important to share that my main symptom wasn’t one I was aware of until now. I developed severe anxiety and I couldn’t help but notice this has been simmering for a while and the concussion was what made it boil over.

There is so so so much I would like to say about this topic and what I have been through in the past few months because it’s such a taboo subject, but I can’t find the words just yet so that will have to be another day…

Giving myself the space to heal right now and hopefully will be back sooner rather than later. Much love for now. X 🧠💞

(Ps. I want meant to be launching my @foxmtb Collab this weekend but that will be postponed until further notice. Will still let you know when it will be available online and in stores🤍🤍)

Tahnee Seagrave

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A post shared by Myriam Nicole (@myriam_nicole)

It’s World Cup week! And I couldn’t be more excited about flying to Scotland tomorrow.
To cut a long story short, it’s been a real test since Lourdes as I’ve struggled with post concussion symptoms and to put it lightly, it’s been a nightmare of headaches & other symptom day & night that got stronger with the smallest exertion in the world. I know a lot about muscles & bones 🦶🏼 but damn brain injuries are scary!

Take care of your 🧠 and even if symptoms don’t feel that bad go & get checked!
After doing scan after scan and seeing loads of different professionals (thanks everyone!), I’m now back to hitting intensity safely!

Myriam Nicole

We understand that Myriam’s symptoms come after her crash in practice at Lourdes, yet she was still allowed to race – which is perhaps a sign that there are still lessons to be learnt, even at elite level racing. We’re glad she’s recovered and hope that Fort William passes without incident – the cumulative effects of brain injuries present a significant risk to long term health.

In case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, we’ve rounded up some reading for you. TL:DR? Here are a few key points:

• By the time you (or maybe those around you) become aware that you’ve got long term damage, it’s probably too late to undo it. Observing concussion protocols in the immediate aftermath of any crash is key.
• You don’t have to trash your helmet, knock yourself out or see stars to have had an impact worth worrying about. Take the down time your brain needs to recover.
• If you do take a hit, seek medical advice. Avoid screens and a riding until you’re given the all clear.

Why you should pay attention to concussions and knocks to the head…

Some perspectives from athletes…

Some tech talk for you…

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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