Olympic Champion Kristen Faulkner to Miss Remainder of 2025 Season Following Shoulder Surgery
PARIS/USA – Double Olympic gold medalist Kristen Faulkner will be sidelined for the rest of the 2025 season after undergoing successful surgery to repair damage to her right shoulder.The 32-year-old American cyclist sustained the injury in a crash during the 2025 Tour de France Femmes.
The surgery,deemed necessary to prevent long-term complications,brings an early close to Faulkner’s season following a year highlighted by her victories in both the road race and track cycling events at the Paris Olympics,as well as capturing the U.S. national title. While a setback, Faulkner is expected to make a full recovery and return to competition in 2026.
EF Pro Cycling’s head doctor, Jon Greenwell, explained the situation: “An MRI scan showed cartilage damage, wich could potentially cause instability. After consulting with USA Cycling and doctors in America, we decided surgery was the best long-term solution. The rehab will take about six weeks, and then she’ll be ready for a full preseason.”
faulkner is currently recovering at her home in the U.S. and expressed optimism about her future return.”The surgery was very successful,” she stated. “With the timing of it, I’ll be able to start next season on a normal timeline.I’ll be healthy and fully recovered going into next season.”
Despite the disappointing end to her post-Olympic year, Faulkner remains steadfast. “I’ll be back stronger when the 2026 campaign opens,” she affirmed.