Dan Atherton hurt in dirt jump crash

Jul 9, 2010 at 15:42
Jul 9, 2010
by Tyler Maine
 
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Source: Atherton Racing

On Tuesday night of this week Dan was out riding dirt jumps at his local trails in Llanfyllin, when he crashed and landed awkwardly on his head. Dan was taken to Shrewsbury hospital in a ambulance where they X-rayed his upper spine. The results confirmed a fracture to his C2 vertebrae with a further CT scan confirming another fracture to his C1 vertebrae.

More details inside,

On the positive side Dan has full movement in all his limbs and at present there is no damage to the nerves that pass through the central spinal column. Dan remains immobilized for precautionary measures while currently awaiting a transfer to the orthopedic unit in Oswestry, a hospital the Athertons know well and one that is luckily renowned as the best unit in the country.

As long as everything goes to plan with his recovery we should hopefully see Dan on a bike by the end of the year.

Our sympathies are with Dan and the rest of the Atherton family at this time and any well wishes to Dan can be made via the team's Facebook page.

Regards,

Dan

Dan Brown
Director
Atherton Racing
www.athertonracing.co.uk



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133 Comments

  • + 327
flag brule Mod Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:43)
 Everyone here at Pinkbike.com wishes you a safe and speedy recovery Dan!
  • + 31
flag Bobeck (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:46)
 signed
  • + 11
flag benwalton (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:50)
 Shhiittt. Feel sorry for him.
  • + 14
flag simi105 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:51)
 Yeah injury sucks, 6 months out is a long time. Take it easy and get back on those pedals!
  • + 44
flag Matt-W (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:52)
 injury sucks. learn the guitar or something to pass the time, then come back stronger.
  • + 7
flag mattsmurph (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:52)
 agreed
  • + 6
flag TheCanuck (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:54)
 Wish you a good recovery bro.
  • + 8
flag dickturd-jnr94 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:59)
 good luck in your recovery dan hope it goes well and no further problems accuor, hope to see you riding soon
  • + 19
flag bankturn (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:05)
 This could have been so much worse. It's still an awful injury, but if the spinal cord had been involved at such a high level of the neck, it would have been a debilitating if not deadly injury. So so glad to hear that was not the case! Best wishes on a speedy recovery and hope you come back to it faster than ever!!!
  • + 13
flag suicidedownhiller (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:10)
 Man the athertons have had it rough lately...hoepfully the trend stops and Gee isn't injured next. Get better soon Dan!
  • + 8
flag ridemoto157 (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:19)
 Why does bad shit happen to good people? best wishes.
  • + 3
flag mr-sam (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:32)
 not good Frown get well soon anyway!
  • + 12
flag dirtbagbiker (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:41)
 not me man
  • + 5
flag carter-hill (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:45)
 2 of 3 athertons... poor luck. keep riding hard and get well soon
  • + 4
flag ben-06-7 (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:47)
 can the Athertons never have a season without one of them being seriously injured? Get well soon Dan
  • + 7
flag nomnom (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:20)
 wow thats terrible, a two second jump mess up, and this guy is messed up for at least 5 months.
get well broski :p
  • + 0
flag rigodon777 (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:27)
 DAMN! All the best whishes man. You`ll only come back stronger from this injury! Stay strong.
  • + 1
flag xetal (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:09)
 Best luck Bro !
  • + 4
flag dezim (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:26)
 as terrible as this is im really glad to hear it didnt paralyze him or worse...get well soon!
  • + 2
flag acadian Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:26)
 damn straight! Get well soon Dan!
  • + 1
flag northwestdhdad Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:59)
 I met Dan at Port A- He's the most genuine human being on this planet. I wish him nothing but the best. The injury list is growing huge this year!
  • + 1
flag Billy-C (Jul 9, 2010 at 19:26)
 Get well soon mate!
  • + 1
flag proamrider (Jul 9, 2010 at 20:55)
 Dude Best Wishes!!!
  • + 1
flag alcapwny (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:20)
 Get well soon Dan. A lot of guys in action sports get messed up bad for a long time and then return much stronger than they were before. I mean, look at CR Johnson (if you don't know who that is look him up). He was paralyzed for a long period of time because of a ski accident, and when he returned to the sport he returned better than ever.
  • + 1
flag brendan-chong (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:24)
 Best wishes man, get better. Alot of guys in every sport this year have been hurt. Look at Kevin Pearce (USA snowboarding team, Burton Snowboarding) almost died this year, and is on his way to full recovery. Hopefully you will join him with a speedy recovery. Best of luck dan!
  • + 11
flag mcdog Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:48)
 LIFE IS A FIGHT, AND I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO WIN THIS ONE BRO !!!
  • + 2
flag alexhoss (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:59)
 The same thing just happened to my dad, broke his C1 and C2 vertebrae. He say's it still hurt's extremely bad now and it happened in spring break this year. Luckily he has all the movement and is not paralyzed also. Good luck man, I know how hard it is to deal with.
  • + 3
flag ButtonPusher (Jul 9, 2010 at 23:23)
 ride hard, fall hard. It's nothing you can't overcome!
  • + 1
flag yahelh (Jul 10, 2010 at 2:02)
 Get Better Soon Dan!!
  • + 1
flag DHILL819 (Jul 10, 2010 at 2:12)
 do get better soon mate
  • + 2
flag downhill1409 (Jul 10, 2010 at 2:50)
 jezzz, i was on those same dj's earlier that day..... get well soon Dan!
  • + 2
flag northumberlandrider (Jul 10, 2010 at 4:10)
 Would a next brace of prevented such injureys ? maybe ...
  • + 1
flag JD95 (Jul 10, 2010 at 10:25)
 get well soon Dan!
  • + 2
flag Russ-69 (Jul 10, 2010 at 11:04)
 Crashing sucks! Best of luck with the recovery Dan
  • + 2
flag eddiethekid (Jul 11, 2010 at 7:02)
 chances are a neck brace would've prevented such an injury northumberlandrider, but theyre not going to wear them doing DJ's bit like saying public cars should be fitted with the Formula 1 Hans device, not practical, wish Dan all the very best, get back on those pedals and be better than ever
  • + 4
flag northumberlandrider (Jul 11, 2010 at 11:19)
 Its a complex issue to be honest, since the jumps that athy hits are normally mega sized and since hes a 4x/BMX racer at heart he's rarely jumping casualy normally low and fast, To be honest none of us can be arsed covering every potentaily safety hazard but seeing as Athys a sponcored athlete him being of the bike will cost his sponcors money... wouldn't be suprised if leatt approached them with a deal now simply because of the advertising gold mine that it could become.

Sorry for any spelling mistake... but to be honest if you had a problem with that you seriouly need to get out more...
  • + 1
flag dillonchamberlain (Jul 15, 2010 at 14:27)
 shit happens when you push your limits. thats why the athertons are where they are.
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag ustemuf Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:49)
 leatt? Frown get well.
  • + 16
flag Matt-W (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:53)
 oh god, don't start that again.
  • + 14
flag brewer22 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:58)
 he was dirt jumping which probably means he wasnt wearing a full face so a leatt wouldnt of really helped
  • - 36
flag TheoSheridan (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:07) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Or a helmet at all.....
  • + 13
flag anto (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:09)
 Don't start the stupid LEATT NECK BRACE argument.. Sometimes a silly little mistake can lead to an injury like this. Hope he fixes himself quickly so that he's all good for next season!
  • + 24
flag ustemuf Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:44)
 what argument? is there even an argument? oh, look, it's YOU starting the argument.

yeah, i guess there's no need for a helmet or a leatt when you're dirt jumping, since there is little chance of injury huh?

i'm not arguing, get a life.
  • + 7
flag rideonjon (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:14)
 you did bring it up though and probably just to start some shit.get well soon Dan.
  • + 34
flag ustemuf Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:19)
 i wasn't starting anything, i don't troll these forums like most of the kids on this site.

i am genuinely concerned, hence the sad face and "get well". how am i supposed to know saying "leatt" would put a knot in some kids panties?

i'm new to the sport, and after a couple of months of riding i spent $250 to prevent situations like this happening in MY life. it didn't take a long time riding for me to see how EASY it is to get seriously injured even doing the simplest of things.

yeah so what, i'm the dork at the dirt jumps with a full face, knee/shins, elbows, leatt... whatever. i get back up when i go down. i don't care what others think of me.

i also don't care if he or anyone else doesn't wear one, it's just a shame in MY opinion. think and do what you what, i'm all about free will and making your own choices. i'm not arguing or flaming anyone.
  • + 5
flag alexhoss (Jul 9, 2010 at 22:03)
 No need to argue over a topic like this guys, shut up and support Dan! But i agree with ustemuf Razz
  • + 6
flag Terrafire (Jul 9, 2010 at 22:56)
 Trooollllll
  • + 4
flag alexc09 (Jul 10, 2010 at 4:47)
 people have arguements about leatts all the time, thats what "Matt-W" and "anto" were jokingly reffering to, "ustemuf", you just took the wrong end of the stick mate..anyway, this column wasnt made to have arguements, it was made so people could give support to Dan, get better soon dan and hope you recover as good as ever Smile
  • + 2
flag stewartluxton (Jul 10, 2010 at 7:28)
 start a thread or get a room, coz this is not the place! Get well soon Dan, we are all thinking of you!
  • + 0
flag wesdadude (Jul 10, 2010 at 18:28)
 "yeah so what, i'm the dork at the dirt jumps with a full face, knee/shins, elbows, leatt... whatever. i get back up when i go down. i don't care what others think of me. "
Touched me.

Poor Dan. I cant stay off the bike for more than a few weeks so I know it must kill.
Get well soon
  • + 4
flag Maksimbike (Jul 10, 2010 at 22:52)
 Please express your feeling here

www.pinkbike.com/photo/5320233
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag downhill1409 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:45)
 cant believe i saw him dancing around in a toga at llani fancy dress just a week ago, and then this.. get well soon dan!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bury (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:02)
 they would kick ass more if they wouldn't crash that much, Dan and Rachel. The three of them are pros and stuff like this is not a good thing to hear. My appeal to the doctors at that Oswestry hospital: fix him up quick so we can se him rippin' soon!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag thegringo (Jul 9, 2010 at 19:09)
 Over the moon ya recovery is gonna be quite swift,or so they say.More points on that World Cup overall is what i know ya'll be hoping for,and focusing on the Worlds at M'T StAnne,the bad luck and bad riding,(not on your part),over the years i wouldn't wish on my own enemy.Your career reminds me of Peaty's in a way cos the amount of times he nearly had the Worlds and lost it through the littlest of things,your 4X W.C career has been like that from where i'm sitting,but i do genuinley believe you're gonna win 4X Gold at the Worlds sometime,and you'll probably take the W.C overall in that same year,bye bye nearly man,hello world.
Gringo.2 cents tup Beer
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag antur (Jul 10, 2010 at 7:01)
 I'm after the same crash. I've broken 4 vertebraes. C1, C2 and TH4, TH5.
After 7 month I came back on bike and still ridin' BMX, windsurf, and playing ice hockey ;]
GET WELL DUDE !!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JokerPokerUberSmoker (Jul 10, 2010 at 10:43)
 Damn... Hope he gets better soon. Smile I know how much that hurts... i landed on my head on to concrete without a helmet for 7 months ago and got a fracture to my C5 and a fracture left of the sinus frontale... Took me 2 months to recover and get back on my bike, hope you will get better soon mate Smile
  • + 0
flag Shredder-boy (Jul 10, 2010 at 11:58)
 That'll teach you not to wear a helmet! Get well soon Dan
  • + 0
flag funkedafro (Jul 13, 2010 at 12:37)
 shredder boy - this is no time to be saying I TOLD YOU SO,or you might be one of those cocks. you probably shred paper anyway. keep your opinion to yourself
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mongoosemaniac (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:09)
 Dont worry dan, As soon as your fit enough to train again your gonna want to train harder and you'll soon be back on top! Big Grin get well soon!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag vt6spd (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:56)
 What doesn't kill us will only make us stronger. We will expect a full recovery and some awesome new inspiration in the Mountain Biking world Mr. Atherton. New Inspiration. James- Vermont
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mtb-dre (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:00)
 Unlucky dan, he really hasn't had much luck =[ Don't worry though its just around the corner, i'm sure he'll have a great run next season Smile
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag nightmareterror (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:17)
 Definetely not cool. He WILL ride again!! What do doctors know!! hahahahaha get well dude.
  • + 4
flag kyle9040 (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:40)
 obviously he will ride again moron they are fractures
  • + 10
flag dirtjumper771 (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:23)
 doctors generally tend to know a lot, especially about fractures. thats there job, just so you know...
  • + 3
flag cmcrawfo (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:35)
 C2/Atlas is the worst spinal fracture possible. Positive vibes+++++++++++
  • + 5
flag kyle9040 (Jul 9, 2010 at 20:00)
 yeah it is the worst possible fracture but it still doesnt mean he wont ride again
  • + 1
flag cmcrawfo (Jul 9, 2010 at 20:02)
 yup...never said that, well read.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jonb (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:14)
 Here's hoping Dan makes a swift recovery! No one likes time out with injury.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag sam-oakes (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:46)
 Unlucky Dan, such a nice approachable guy, get well soon.
  • + 3
flag crashin (Jul 10, 2010 at 7:09)
 Don't mean to be a douchebag or anything but when I was talking to him he was the exact opposite of approachable. Although I think he's a pretty inspirational rider and I wish him the fastest of recovery's and hope everything goes well for him.
  • + 2
flag sam-oakes (Jul 10, 2010 at 10:28)
 I interviewed him at BDS Fort William and he was really nice, didn't mind a chat at all and was enthusiastic, mind you he hadn't had a shit season at that point.
  • + 1
flag funkedafro (Jul 13, 2010 at 11:25)
 it sounds like dan has the same injuries as the atherton photographer, sven martin. dan is my favorite atherton as he is so into his building and can jump pretty much anything on a mtb OR bmx. i wish you a speedy recovery and hope you're well to do all you want to do. peace out partner.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag silverremix (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:20)
 Sufferred similar injury and made full recovery - so unlucky and lucky at the same time. Hope your recovery goes as well as mine!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag CrashAlex (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:07)
 Get well soon Dan! All our thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes are being sent your way!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ssavage06029 (Jul 10, 2010 at 6:32)
 My thoughts are with you Dan. Stay strong and positive cuz you have a gift that most people would kill for. Can't wait to see you killing it again!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag will-struke-69 (Jul 9, 2010 at 19:20)
 Stay strong man and cant wait to see you back on your bike shredding harder that ever before
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag downhilldan94 (Jul 13, 2010 at 5:10)
 heal up fast mate! Your'e still one of my top 3 favourite Athertons that race bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag kodakmike (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:40)
 Glad your going to be ok Dan! When your back in the states go ride at "Windrock" in Oak Ridge,Tennessee.Get well soon.Later.-Mike from Tennessee.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Prawna1 (Jul 12, 2010 at 9:22)
 WOW Dan must have 4-leaf clovers in his pockets!! C1 is so shady. Speedy recovery mang!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag kelownian (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:51)
 Yea thank god He didnt get Hurt Worse than he Did! Get well Soon Dude!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag btjader (Jul 9, 2010 at 23:26)
 best wishes, we're all looking forward to the day you're back in the saddle
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag D-ponko (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:00)
 he litterall crashed the same as me, in the same dicipline, and broke the same bones..heal up
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag anthonysjb (Jul 10, 2010 at 0:19)
 Unlucky man, this sucks so bad, i was supposed to be seeing you ride today as well Razz
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rhiwfawrdirt (Jul 11, 2010 at 11:53)
 hell be on that digger like he always does when hes injured in a month or 2
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Waldon83 (Jul 9, 2010 at 20:18)
 Happy Recoveries Dan! I hope you return with the strength to pull off some wins both in the BMX and 4x Ward ! Cameron Waldon
  • + 1
flag carlwarren Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 20:27)
 Get well and will see you riding again soon hope to get some images the next time your out west
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yakmastermax61093 (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:09)
 we'll build him better

stronger

but seriously thats a bummer

+1 to learning and instrument

get better
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag rollsroyce (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:10)
 sad face :'( very sad face. seriously though , dan get better
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag BuffnStuff (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:59)
 sad to hear...get well soon m8
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mvonhollen (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:17)
 Get well soon danny boy. We wanna see you on top of the podiums this summer
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag angus05 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:55)
 the guy has no luck Frown get well soon
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag olidh (Jul 10, 2010 at 8:48)
 bad news, get well soon !!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag FamousB (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:17)
 shit... get well soon dan
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag zarthpete (Jul 10, 2010 at 4:55)
 It's so bad to read about bad injuries like this, get well soon Dan!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Laurence-CE Plus (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:49)
 Get Well Soon Champ!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag src248 (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:00)
 Frown
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag metalmike (Jul 10, 2010 at 18:09)
 get well soon from one broken spine victim to another
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag demz (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:51)
 get well soon Dan!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mongoose85 (Jul 14, 2010 at 8:31)
 Speedy recovery Dan! take it easy for a while. You've earned it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag richierocket (Jul 11, 2010 at 19:38)
 Getting hurt sucks! Take care my friend!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hodge357 (Jul 9, 2010 at 15:57)
 NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag champignon (Jul 10, 2010 at 12:50)
 That sucks! Get better soon Man!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Chamakazi (Jul 10, 2010 at 3:40)
 Sorry to hear about this, get well soon mate.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag A123crash (Jul 10, 2010 at 12:29)
 Dam that is what i call a bad day! get well dude.Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag konakid1993 (Jul 10, 2010 at 4:19)
 get well soon dan, stay strong!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dchill (Jul 9, 2010 at 21:26)
 Dan best wishes to you for a healthy recovery.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cullano (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:03)
 hope he has a speedy recovery
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bikingnrugby (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:06)
 unluky Dan. hope you get well soon and ready to beat graves in 4x
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Piks-Liks (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:45)
 All the best, speedy recovery
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag lescart (Jul 10, 2010 at 1:43)
 Best wishes lad. I know you will be back fighting.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Jobobasaurus (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:40)
 so many people are brakin their backs lately!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag twigme (Jul 10, 2010 at 1:46)
 hope to see you back on the bike soon Dan, hang in there
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag smeckma (Jul 10, 2010 at 20:34)
 Hope u gonna heal soon.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jerryhazard (Jul 10, 2010 at 20:03)
 Heal and get well soon!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Lucky7Man Plus (Jul 12, 2010 at 16:12)
 thanat sucks
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kona-freerider94 (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:29)
 get well soon dan!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag brayden55 (Jul 9, 2010 at 17:47)
 ya bro feel better that sucks
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag shredhard (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:14)
 healin vibes bro
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Session603 (Jul 10, 2010 at 8:49)
 o and all mightly Zeus
  • + 2
flag Session603 (Jul 10, 2010 at 9:41)
 neg props already.. because of Zeus?
  • + 1
flag jaydubmah (Jul 10, 2010 at 11:20)
 Zeus is badass. Positive vibes and get well soon Dan!
  • + 1
flag Session603 (Jul 10, 2010 at 16:51)
 at least someone appreciates the level of badass that my main man Zeus brings to the table
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Session603 (Jul 10, 2010 at 8:48)
 Jesus love you Dan Atherton, as does Allah and the Buddha.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag geraud (Jul 10, 2010 at 15:09)
 good luck !!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stinkypeter (Jul 10, 2010 at 2:56)
 Hope you get better Dan
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag elbry (Jul 9, 2010 at 16:15)
 good luck dan
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Nobble (Jul 10, 2010 at 3:20)
 Get well soon Dan
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag caiocrz (Jul 10, 2010 at 8:20)
 Get better soon mate!
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag ocsrider (Jul 9, 2010 at 18:38)
 Don't they always do things in threes? Rachael, Dan...
[Reply]
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