Iliac artery endofibrosis, which causes restricted blood flow to the leg muscles during training and racing, was later revealed to be the reason behind the BikeExchange star's DNF at the Tokyo Olympic Games and the patch of poor form before it.
One major surgery and nine weeks on the sidelines have since paved the way for Spratt’s much anticipated comeback, with the NRS event “a great way to mix up the rehab and get back with the team”.
“It’s been really exciting watching Ruby (Roseman-Gannon) and Alex (Manly) race Nationals so it’s a chance to get back in the racing with them and mix it up a bit, get a bit of intensity in the legs,” Spratt told Cyclingnews.
“I’m sure I’m going to suffer like hell in those four days of racing based on the strength I saw at Nationals from everyone.
“I go in there with different expectations, obviously, than normal but am feeling just as excited.”
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Beginning January 23, the Santos Festival of Cycling will feature three road stages and one concluding criterium as a replacement for the cancelled Tour Down Under.
Spratt is no stranger to the event, having won three international editions from 2017 to 2019 and is eager to get back on the podium in her 11th season as a professional cyclist.
“I had nine weeks off for the surgery,” the 34-year-old added. “It’s a long time, but it’s like a refresh button.
“Now I just feel like it was a really big surgery and I don’t want to have had it for nothing, so I have that extra motivation now to be able to get out and race my bike and ride my bike. I just want to make the most of it.
“I remember what I was like a couple of years ago, chasing medals at World Championships and chasing the rainbow jersey and being on the podium at the Giro and Ardennes Classics, so I really am motivated to feel that again and to challenge myself with the best.”
