I'm in Good Company (The Collarbone Chronicles)

What do I have in common with these pro cycling giants?

• Frank Schleck
• Thor Hushovd
• Christain Vande Velde
• Stuart O'Grady

Here's a hint: it is something that we all experienced in 2010.

(pause)

Got it yet?

That's it! We've all had broken collarbones!

It seems that it is a rite of passage for cyclists. At least that's the way the New York Times describes it (For Cyclists, Collarbones Are Made to Be Broken)

“If you haven’t broken your collarbone, you haven’t ridden long enough,” said Ben Day, a member of the Fly V Australia-Successful Living team."

There must be something to this coming-of-age-as-a-cyclist thing. It's not a pleasant experience, but I suppose it's less painful than circumcision.

I guess I've ridden long enough...

It also continues an alarming trend of Lance Armstrong - Ray Whitney life parallels.

• Avid cyclists - Check!
• Testicular cancer - Check!
• Broken Collarbones - Check!
• Multiple Tour de France victories - Check!

Er...about that last bit...never mind.