Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw’s Instagram bio reads “Husband, Father, Adventure Racer” and it appears the final title has got him into strife and landed him with a potential broken rib.
In a post on the social media site, his wife, former Black Stick Gemma McCaw, posted a photoof McCaw with a bloody bandage and scratch marks across his back with the caption: “Goes away for a 4 day 600km (+5000m climbing) bike race then walks in the door to me handing him the three girls.”
McCaw had just competed in the 5 Passes Tour, a gruelling cycle challenge over South Island roads.
The 5 Passes Tour is a four day cycling tour where every facet is fully supported and catered for with over 20 support crew to look after participants’ every need. Travelling from Christchurch through to the Alpine Village of Hanmer Springs, then it’s over Lewis Pass through to Greymouth reaching the West Coast before returning back to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass and Porter’s Pass. The scenery is breathtaking and having the ability to experience this while riding and racing your bike in a safe supported environment, is priceless!
No rest for the wicked as Richie McCaw is straight back into parenting duties despite his apparent fall. Photo / Instagram, @gemflynn
The next post is a close up of the wound captioned: “I’m on wound cleaning after a nasty fall”. Those in cycle circles will recognise the tell-tale signs of a connection between tarmac and skin.
The extent of the damage can be seen. Photo / Instagram, @gemflynn
In a third post, McCaw, formerly Flynn, attempts to diagnose a suspected broken rib with a grimace seen on her husband’s face.
It is unclear whether the McCaws have sought professional medical attention. Photo / Instagram, @gemflynn
In a post on his own Instagram account, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner said: “Awesome to finish the 5 Passes bike tour. We covered 618km and 5800m of climbing over four days of riding from Christchurch to Greymouth via the Lewis Pass and back via the Arthur’s Pass. A lot of hurt trying to keep up in A grade but satisfying to see my team mate Luke McPherson claim the yellow jersey and Nathan Cohen the sprinters jersey.”
He can be seen sporting a couple of bandages in the post so it appears that his ability to fight through injury has not left him in his post-playing days.
