Career
During, Michael was staying at Santa Rosa, California to train for upcoming competitions. On one of his training rides, on 30 June, Michael was hit by a car coming around a bend. The then 25-year-old was thrown off his bike and hit the car windshield, breaking his arm.
The driver fled the scene but was later caught and was sentenced to 10 years and four months in prison.
Meanwhile, Torckler was airlifted to the nearest hospital, where he arrived in critical condition, close to death. Fortunately, Torckler didn"t gain brain damage from the accident, but has no recollection of the accident.
He was immediately moved to intensive care, where he stayed but was discharged after only 12 days. After returning to New Zealand after only a month after his accident, Michael was back on his bike and starting to train again.
After four months, Michael returned to racing at the Tour of Southland and finished the race in 61st place.
In November 2014 Torckler was announced as part of the Team Budget Forklifts line-up for 2015.
