Flora Duffy’s season could be at an end after the superstar triathlete revealed yesterday that she has been beset by a combination of injury and American red tape.

The two-times former world champion was expected to be in Spain for the Valencia ITU Triathlon World Cup last weekend in the company of fellow Bermudian Tyler Smith, but was a mysterious no-show.

However, in a social-media post yesterday, she explained that she has been suffering with a right knee problem since not long after her stunning triumph at the Arzachena World Cup event in Italy — a second successive gold medal at that level.

The concern was diagnosed as two cysts that were applying pressure and causing the pain. Meanwhile, an MRI suggested that her recovery period will be quick.

She posted on Instagram: “The first 14 days following Arzachena WC were really solid, felt great and started to get excited for the PTO Champs in December.

“Really out the blue, I woke on a Monday and felt some acute inflammation at the back of my knee.”

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Duffy got the cysts drained after a second opinion and then withdrew from the Valencia World Cup event as a precaution.

This is not the only setback Duffy has had to contend with, as she is still awaiting clearance to be able to fly back to the United States so that she can take part in the Professional Triathletes Organisation 2020 Middle Distance World Championships at Daytona International Speedway from December 4 to 6.

“We were meant to fly to Boulder on Sunday, but had not yet received our needed NIE clearance,” she said in her post. “An additional approval needed for travel between Schengen states and the US since the March 23 presidential proclamation is still in effect. We got one previously within 72 hours. It has been three weeks. So bitterly frustrating and destabilising.

“Now only have three weeks before the PTO. But still waiting for the e-mail confirmation of the NIE. Do we pack? Do we stay? Do we just call it a year?”