Terenzo Bozzone suffered facial and head injuries and a concussion. Photo / Supplied
Terenzo Bozzone suffered facial and head injuries and a concussion. Photo / Supplied
Kiwi ironman Terenzo Bozzone has released a statement detailing his disappointment in the driver he believes caused him to crash on his bike.
Police today said there was "no evidence" to suggest a truck hit and seriously injured Bozzone in West Auckland early last month. However, the 33-year-old was firmin his story, saying in a post on Instagram he was certain there was another vehicle involved.
"I'm disappointed that the driver of the vehicle that collided with me and caused the serious injuries that I am dealing with, has not come forward to Police.
"Police today said they have found no evidence to prove that a truck was involved in the crash, after completing their crash investigations. An eyewitness reported seeing a truck at the scene of the accident.
"However while I have no memory of the crash, I am certain another vehicle was involved.
You don't snap a very expensive bike like mine in two pieces, and suffer the sorts of injuries I have by just falling off. I've been in this sport for nearly 20 years so I think I am a very experienced rider.
"So it is disappointing that whoever hit me did not stop to help and then report it. But I can't change that. Right now my focus is on getting better and slowly return to training. This week I finally have no further ill-effects from my head injuries.
"There's still two more weeks before I will get the wire taken out from my hand, although I guess I will be setting off airport alarms for a while with the titanium plates in my face.
I want to thank the Police for their hard work and I just have my fingers crossed now that I am able to return to the sport at the highest level again – and soon."
Bozzone was taken to Auckland City Hospital after an accident on Waitākere Rd near Kumeū on July 3.
He suffered facial and head injuries and a concussion.
It was believed at the time the crash involved a truck, however, Detective Senior Sergeant Jason McIntosh said earlier today police have completed their crash investigation and there was no truck.
Terenzo Bozzone was taken to Auckland City Hospital on July 3. Photo / Photosport
"While it was initially believed that a truck was involved in the incident, police enquiries have concluded there is no evidence to suggest that the truck was involved, following a scene analysis and an interview with the truck's driver," he said.
"Our investigation has been unable to confirm whether there was another vehicle involved in this cyclist crash."
McIntosh wished the athlete a speedy recovery from his injuries.
In a social media post after the accident, Bozzone said he had three titanium plates put in his face and a wire in his hand.
Terenzo Bozzone suffered facial and head injuries and a concussion. Photo / Supplied
Bozzone has won 37 international titles, which includes 23 Ironman 70.3 or half-Ironman distance triathlon titles.
