March 15, 2006 (Melbourne, Australia) – Lyne Bessette, a Canadian favourite for the road race and time trial events, was training on the mountain bike course when she missed a turn and went off the edge of the course in a rocky, technical section. Though the crash was at slow speed – less than 10 kilometres an hour – the full force of the fall was taken by Bessette’s left shoulder.

She is currently back at the athlete’s village and under the care of the
Canadian medical staff. Over the next few days she will make decisions, along with her coaches and doctors, to determine what races, if any, Bessette will take part in.

Originally scheduled to compete at the Time Trial on March 21, the Mountain Bike race on March 23, and Road Race on March 26, this injury puts in question her participation at these events. The good news is that the final Road Race gives Bessette a full ten days to recover.