Young American cyclist back in the saddle less than three months after losing right leg
Adrien Costa suffered rock climbing accident while on sabbatical from professional cycling
On July 29, American cyclist Adrien Costa, on a break from the professional peloton, was involved in a climbing accident in Mono County, California, when a boulder came loose and crushed his right leg. Doctors couldn’t save the leg. Now, less than three months after the accident, 21-year-old Costa is riding a bike and climbing once more while adapting to life with a prosthetic leg.
Former teammate Chris Blevins posted a couple of photos of Costa utilizing his new prosthetic leg on Instagram, along with the caption, “I’ve always been impressed by this guy, but in the past couple months I’ve found a new level of admiration. @costadrien you’re a slayer.”
Costa stepped away from cycling in July of 2017 while racing with American Continental squad Axeon Hagens Berman. His decision came after the death of teammate Chad Young in that year’s Tour de Gila. The previous season Costa had come second in the Tour of Utah and became the first American to win France’s Tour de Bretagne. Although the team left the door open for a return in 2018, Costa opted to pursue a degree in outdoor leadership and tourism.
The cycling community stepped up to support Costa after the amputation.
Stay strong @AdrienCosta!!!! https://t.co/DXKgbFpsZC
— Jens Voigt (@thejensie) August 8, 2018
Our former stagiaire @AdrienCosta is going through some very tough moments. As we send our thoughts to him and his family, wishing them strength to overcome this, we also encourage all cycling fans out there to help Adrien and support his rehab. https://t.co/qzoBJSOT5y
— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) August 9, 2018
Bardet backing up his comments with action. He donated €1000 to the fund for Adrien Costa earlier today. Top bloke ?? https://t.co/DXy7W4sKEe
— Cillian Kelly (@irishpeloton) August 9, 2018
Many have found inspiration in Costa’s determination and grit.
You can’t keep a good man down ??????? @AdrienCosta pic.twitter.com/5bZ3LwNhDr
— CORSO (@CORSOsports) October 23, 2018
Look at these photos anytime you think, "I can't"…#PROVEIT https://t.co/cM6VqBm0Zz
— Hagens Berman Axeon (@HBAxeon) October 23, 2018
Costa hasn’t declared any plans for the future, but his pluck will take him far in whatever he pursues.