Michael Torckler

Michael Torckler (born 12 April 1987 in New Zealand) is a professional cyclist and is currently a member of the Australian cycling team, Budget Forklifts.

During 2012, Michael was staying at Santa Rosa, California to train for upcoming competitions. On one of his training rides, on 30 June, Michael was hit by a car coming around a bend. The then 25-year-old was thrown off his bike and hit the car windshield, breaking his arm and almost killing him.

The driver fled the scene but was later caught and was sentenced to 10 years and four months in prison. Meanwhile, Torckler was airlifted to the nearest hospital, where he arrived in critical condition, close to death. Fortunately, Torckler didn't gain brain damage from the accident, but has no recollection of the accident. He was immediately moved to intensive care, where he stayed but was discharged after only 12 days.

After returning to New Zealand after only a month after his accident, Michael was back on his bike and starting to train again. After four months, Michael returned to racing at the 2012 Tour of Southland and finished the race in 61st place. Known as 'King of the Comebacks', Michael raced in the Tour of Utah, and even won the King of the Mountains title.

In November 2014 Torckler was announced as part of the Team Budget Forklifts line-up for 2015.^[1]

Palmarès

2009

Second Overall Vuelta a la Montaña Central de Asturias

2010

First overall Tour of Wellington

First Overall San Martin Proba de Ataun

First Overall Clásica Ciudad de Torredonjimeno

2012

1st stage Tour de Borneo

8th Overall Jelajah Malaysia

References

• http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/Michael_Torckler
• http://www.cyclingquotes.com/news/from_hospital_to_king_of_the_mountains__the_michael_torckler_story/