Australian rider Jay Vine and Jonas Vingegaard hospitalised after mass crash at Itzulia Basque Country race

Australian rider Jay Vine and Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard were among the 12 riders involved in a horrific crash during the Itzulia Basque Country race in Spain. The crash, which occurred at high speed, left Vine with serious injuries, including a fractured cervical vertebra and two fractures in his thoracic spine. Vingegaard suffered a broken collarbone and several ribs but was conscious after the alarming incident.

The crash also affected other top riders, including world champion Remco Evenepoel and Giro d’Italia champion Primoz Roglic, who both sustained injuries and had to abandon the race. The scene of the crash was chaotic, with riders sliding off the road and into a ditch during a sharp turn on a descent.

Vingegaard was attended to by medical staff at the scene and needed oxygen before being taken to the hospital in a neck brace. The race was neutralized until the finish, with only six riders allowed to sprint for the stage victory. South African Louis Meintjes ultimately won the stage but described it as a hollow triumph.

The crash was a devastating blow for Vine, who had shown promise in the race with a strong time trial performance earlier in the week. The cycling community rallied around the injured riders, with thoughts and well wishes for their speedy recovery.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in professional cycling and the importance of safety measures in place during races. The cycling world will be closely monitoring the progress of Vine, Vingegaard, and the other riders as they undergo treatment and recovery.