BLING IS BACK - Michael Matthews Incredible Comeback
- John Trevorrow
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
The Journey After A Life Threatening Crash
In March, professional cyclist Michael Matthews faced a terrifying moment that could have ended his career and changed his life forever. A head-on collision with a truck at a combined speed of 100 kph left him with two broken arms, a broken face, and a shattered spirit. But, amazingly, he’s back and about to have his first race at Dauphiné.
In a must watch podcast , The Detour sat down with Bling as he describes just how rough it has been and what a tough nut the young man from Canberra really is. But as tough as he is, our little tribute complication brought a tear to the eye....
Early Signs of Greatness
I first met Michael as an 18-year-old at a function in 2009 to promote cycling. He spoke well and there was a spark in the youngster that made you sit up and take notice. My mate Dave Sanders was a high-performance coach at the time, and he told me that Michael was one of the most exciting and naturally talented young riders he had seen.
The following year I saw him win the World U23 Championship in Geelong and the journey to greatness was started.
Memorable Moments on the Road
I remember the Giro in 2014 and was in the team car when they won the team time trial prologue in Belfast. Teammate and Canadian hard nut Svein Tuft got to wear the first Maglia Rosa. Bling took the jersey over after stage 2 and held the pink jersey through to the end of the first week.
The team manager gave me the job of Michael’s minder - getting him to the sign on/start line each morning and then to the presentation/media venues at each stage finish. It was a lot of fun and it was pretty special, being able to share the sheer joy of it all with Michael.
His stage win in the pink jersey beating Cadel in the uphill finish to Montecassino on stage 6 was bloody brilliant. Unfortunately, Michael crashed out in stage 9, but his talent was undeniable.
The Defining Ride in the 2022 Tour de France
Michael has won stages in all three grand tours and won many races but my favourite ride, and one that exemplifies his character, was stage 14 in the Tour de France in 2022.
Michael was part of a large breakaway group that stayed clear and he was super strong.
He attacked on the final climb up to the Côte de la Croix-Neuve approaching the airport in Mende. He rode clear and looked in control but then appeared to cramp. Alberto Bettiol came across to him and rode straight past. What happened next was quite surprising as Bling seemed to find a second wind and clawed his way back to the Italian champion. I was confident then if he could just hold on over the top of the climb then he would win as he was much faster and the final kilometer is flat.
Sure enough, Michael attacked past Bettiol and just rode away to win his first stage in five years. That ride perfectly captured his fighting spirit and ability to seize the moment.
No stranger to adversity
Michael is no stranger to adversity and only last year his season was thrown into turmoil.
In June 2025, Michael suddenly developed shortness of breath, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat during an altitude camp in Livigno, Italy.
A subsequent CT scan in Switzerland revealed blood clots throughout his lungs, a condition that can be fatal if untreated. He had to withdraw from the Tour de France and spent months off the bike, unsure if he would even return to racing. He said at the time it was “like trying to breathe underwater” and at one point thought he “was going to die.”
But he fought back and just before this latest terrible crash he was in the best form of his life
The Crash That Changed Everything
The crash in March was a brutal setback. Traveling at a combined speed of 100 kph when he collided head-on with a truck, Michael suffered severe injuries but the beyond the physical damage, the psychological toll was immense.
He described the experience on The Detour podcast with Dan Jones, sharing how tough the recovery has been. Listening to him, it’s clear that Michael’s spirit was tested like never before.
The Road to Recovery
Michael’s return to cycling has been nothing short of remarkable. Recovering from multiple fractures and the trauma of such a serious crash takes time, patience, and a strong mindset. His determination to get back on the bike and race again is inspiring. The fact that he is now preparing for the Dauphiné shows his commitment and love for the sport.
His story reminds us that setbacks, even life-threatening ones, don’t have to end dreams. With the right support, mindset, and hard work, it’s possible to come back stronger.
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What We Can Learn from Michael Matthews
Michael’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges:
Resilience matters: Physical injuries heal, but mental strength is what keeps you moving forward.
Support systems help: Family, friends, coaches, and teammates play a crucial role in recovery.
Passion drives progress: Michael’s love for cycling fuels his comeback.
Patience is key: Recovery isn’t instant. It requires time and steady effort.
Celebrate small wins: Every step forward is progress worth acknowledging.
Looking Ahead
Michael Matthews is about to race again, this week the Tour Auverge-Rhone Alpes, (formerly known as the Criterium du Dauphiné) is just the steppingstone to get Michael ready for the Tour de France. Which, I expect a focus on the team time trial prologue in Barcelona and subsequent days in Spain are perfect for Bling to show a bit of his old sparkle.
Fans and fellow cyclists alike are eager to see him back in action. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
For those who follow cycling or face their own challenges, Michael’s journey offers hope and motivation. It shows that even after the darkest moments, there is a path forward.
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