Casper Stornes Withdrew From IRONMAN After Crash

The athlete suffered a fractured vertebrae and broken collarbone during training in Hawaii.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Cycling

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a single bicycle wheel on wet pavement near volcanic rock, representing athletic withdrawal due to severe weather.
Professional cyclist Casper Stornes withdrew from the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii after suffering a fractured vertebra and collarbone in a training crash. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Professional cyclist Casper Stornes has withdrawn from the upcoming IRONMAN World Championship on the Big Island following a serious training bike crash. The incident occurred as Hurricane Nolo approaches the state, causing severe weather conditions that impacted training safety.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the dangerous conditions currently facing Hawaii as Hurricane Nolo intensifies. Stornes sustained a broken collarbone and a fractured lumbar vertebrae after losing control of his bike in the severe weather.

Professional cyclist Casper Stornes will miss the Kona world championship event due to his injuries. The Big Island faces potential rainfall accumulation of 20 to 35 inches as Hurricane Nolo strengthens into a Category 2 storm.

The players

Casper Stornes

He is a professional athlete from Norway who was set to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship.

Josh Green

He is the Governor of Hawaii who issued a state of emergency in response to the approaching hurricane.

The details

Stornes was riding when a hard blow forced his front wheel to twist, causing him to lose control and fly over the handlebars. He landed on his shoulder, resulting in the injuries that forced his withdrawal from the competition.

Timeline

  1. September 25, 2026: Hurricane Nolo intensified into Category 2 status.

  2. September 25, 2026: Hurricane Nolo is expected to impact Hawaii.

Season Trajectory

This withdrawal significantly alters the competitive field for the IRONMAN World Championship, as a top contender is now sidelined. The injury creates a major shift in the expected podium outcomes for this year's race on the Big Island.

With Stornes officially out of the race, the field of participants for the IRONMAN World Championship is reduced. Residents should expect significant travel and activity disruptions across the Big Island due to the 20 to 35 inches of projected rainfall.

The takeaway

Severe weather conditions significantly elevate the risks for outdoor training and athletic competition. Athletes are encouraged to monitor local weather warnings closely to avoid injury during hazardous storm events.

Further reading

For more on competitive events and athlete updates, visit our Cycling section.