Sam Sunderland has withdrawn from the Enduropale du Touquet (15 February 2026) following a training incident on Friday that resulted in stable T1/2/3 fractures.
Sam is in good spirits, back home with his family, and focused on recovery.
“I’ve been buzzing about Le Touquet for months,” says Sam. “For over a decade it was the one that got away – always clashing with Dakar prep. Finally having the chance to line up with 1,300 riders on the beach, to experience what Thierry Sabine created, it meant a heap to me. I’d been training hard, pushing myself because that’s what this event deserves.
“This is the reality of pushing limits. The sport has risks, and this time it caught me out during preparation. Frustrating timing doesn’t begin to cover it, but that’s racing. I have massive respect for everyone who lines up on the 15th – I’ll be watching and cheering them on.
“My thanks to everyone in the beach racing community who welcomed me so warmly. This isn’t how I wanted this chapter to go, but I’m grateful for the journey so far.”
Picture Credit – Billy Kidd (Kidding)
