Three-time Twilight Criterium winner overcomes injury to continue racing career

Athens, Ga. (April 13, 2026) – Alexis Magner, an internationally competitive cyclist and three-time winner (2023-2025) of the Twilight Criterium, is back on the racing circuit following a horrific cycling-related injury.

In July 2025, Magner was racing in Belgium when she was pushed into a concrete pole at more than 30 mph, suffering approximately 18 fractures, including a crushed shoulder, a broken sternum, eight cracked ribs and a collapsed lung. She was hospitalized for 10 days and required to remain in Belgium for months due to her fragile health and inability to fly home.

“When your whole life is tied up in your sport and you get injured, it feels like the world is ending,” said Magner. “My injuries were bad and I didn’t know if I was going to heal, much less be able to compete again.”

Once she was cleared to travel, Magner and her husband returned to the United States, coming home to Athens. To continue her recovery, she was referred to Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, where orthopedic surgeon Eric Gordon, MD, reviewed her medical records and began a treatment plan that included physical therapy through the Piedmont Athens Regional Outpatient Physical Therapy department.

Under the care of Justin Stewart and Matt Cheek, Magner slowly began her recovery, gaining strength and improving mobility.

“My care team kept me calm and taught me how to have patience with myself and give myself time to recover,” Magner said. “They knew I would get through it, and once the pain went away, it became a little easier.”

In early 2026, Magner received good news when a CT scan confirmed all fractures had healed and her lungs were clear. She was cleared to resume the intense training and diet cyclists follow during racing season, focused on rebuilding strength and muscle mass. She has since returned to competition, recently racing in France and the United Arab Emirates.

Magner said the injuries and pain are now behind her.

“You learn about yourself when you go through something like that,” she said. “Surrounding yourself with people who will support you during the hard times and encourage you when you want to give up is so important. Dr. Gordon, Justin and Matthew did that for me.”

Now living in Spain, Magner will not compete in this year’s Twilight Criterium, but said her sister will race, hopefully, keeping the winning tradition alive in their family. She said she continues to value the rich cycling community in Athens and the organizations and clubs that support the sport.

“I feel fortunate to have received such great care at home,” Magner said. “It is reassuring to know Athens has access to specialists who understand what passion means and will work alongside you to get you back to where you want to be.”