Former Pro Dirt Bike Racer, One of the Amazing Stories of El Tour

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Hammel rider in 42mi, El Tour

George Hammel former pro dirt bike racer life changed at 19 when he broke his back for the second time. His accident left him in a wheelchair and luck to be alive.

Hammel’s determination and pro sports background left him working to be out of his chair almost as soon as he was in it.

After years of physical therapy he and painstaking work Hammel picked this the 2011 El Tour as his come back to sports. On November 19th he rode the 42 mile event in just under 3 hours smashing his personal goal to do it under 3.5hrs and leaving him ready to tackle the 111mi in next years Tour.

For more information, photos and videos of George Hammel, please go to his website

Excerpts from 2 Wheelin’ in Tucson: A paraplegic returns to cycling. from KVOA news 4