The Belgian cyclist Frederik Frison has had a year to forget, thanks in large part to a rather unfortunate incident involving a dog bite in a sensitive area, which significantly impacted his performance in 2024. Now, fully recovered and more motivated than ever, he’s looking to relaunch his career with the Q36.5 team, especially with the arrival of Tom Pidcock.
## Frison on His Injury and Recovery
Frison, 32, has spent much of his career with Lotto Soudal. His recent move to the Swiss team Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team was marked by a series of unfortunate events, including the aforementioned dog bite to his testicles and several fractures sustained during competitions. In an interview with Wielerflits, Frison shared the details of the incident, which occurred while he was visiting with his daughter. “There’s not much to it. I have a scar, but it doesn’t bother me on the bike or in everyday life,” he said, showing a sense of humor about the ordeal.
As he looks back on the past season, it’s clear that Frison takes the high road, choosing to laugh at his misfortunes rather than let them define him. The dog bite, followed by fractures to several ribs and his sternum in Dunkerque, made for a season he’d rather forget. Yet, he acknowledges the humor in his situation, recognizing that “people can make jokes about it,” and he’s okay with that. “I think you have to know how to laugh at yourself,” he reflects, showing a resilient spirit.
## Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite the setbacks, Frison is eager to put the past behind him and is now focused on the upcoming season. His eyes are set on the spring classics, particularly Gante-Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix. The prospect of competing in these prestigious events has him “hungry to return” to the top of his game.
The arrival of Tom Pidcock to Q36.5 has also injected an extra dose of motivation into Frison’s preparations. He views Pidcock as not just a talented teammate but also as a professional and friendly rider who will be a pleasure to share the team with. The addition of such a significant name to the team is seen by Frison as an opportunity to elevate his own performance, driven by the belief that training and competing alongside the best can only push him to be better.
With his injury well behind him and a renewed sense of purpose, Frederik Frison is ready to make his mark on the cycling world once again. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of athletes and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. As the cycling season unfolds, fans will undoubtedly be watching Frison’s progress with interest, eager to see how he capitalizes on his second chance and the impact the arrival of Tom Pidcock has on his career trajectory.
