A broken collarbone and a punctured lung: the serious accident of Andri Frischknecht at the Gravel Burn

The Swiss rider from SCOTT-SRAM was among the protagonists of the 2025 edition of the Gravel Burn when an accident during the sixth stage, neutralized due to strong winds, cut short his participation and took him directly to the hospital with a more serious diagnosis than expected.

A fall during the neutralized section leaves Frischknecht with a punctured lung

The sixth day of the South African event was marked by extreme conditions. The strong winds forced the organization to neutralize the stage to ensure the safety of the riders, but even under those circumstances, the most serious accident of the week occurred.

Andri Frischknecht, who had fought for the podium in several stages, suffered a severe fall that caused him a concussion and a broken collarbone. According to the rider himself, he lost his memory before and after the incident, and it was his teammates who attended to him at the accident site.

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In a message posted on his social media, Frischknecht recounted his experience:

“I fell on Friday at the Gravel Burn. The stage was neutralized, so I don’t know how it could happen. I lost my memory before and after the fall. Thanks to all the riders who stopped to help me.”

The Swiss cyclist explained that he initially thought the situation was not serious, “just a broken collarbone and a concussion,” but after medical tests, the outlook changed:

“They discovered that the collarbone had punctured my lung, which collapsed. These are not the best news, but I will be fine. I had surgery on my hand and collarbone, and they are reinflating my left lung.”

The SCOTT-SRAM rider underwent surgery in the hours following the accident and remains hospitalized, although his recovery is positive. “I hope to be able to get out of here soon,” added the Swiss, thanking the supportive messages received.

The fall abruptly ends his participation in a Gravel Burn where he was making a significant impact.