Matteo Jorgenson Wins Around Flanders Classic Amid High-Speed Crash Chaos

Matteo Jorgenson emerged victorious in the Around Flanders cycling classic, but the win was overshadowed by a high-speed crash that saw his teammate Wout van Aert and Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay taken away in ambulances.

The 24-year-old Californian showcased his talent by breaking away from a group of elite riders with a powerful surge just 6km from the finish line. This win adds to his impressive victory at the Paris-Nice earlier in March, solidifying his status as a rising star in the cycling world.

However, the race was marred by a mass collision in the peloton caused by an uneven road surface, resulting in several riders, including Van Aert and Girmay, sustaining injuries. Van Aert, a favorite for the upcoming Tour of Flanders, suffered major abrasions to his back in the crash.

Jorgenson expressed his shock and concern for his teammates and fellow competitors, stating, “My thoughts are with Wout and all the guys involved. I have no news, all I know is he’s in the hospital.”

The accident not only affected Van Aert and Girmay but also high-profile riders like Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen, who were also injured in the crash. These riders, all contenders for upcoming races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, now face uncertainty due to their injuries.

As Van Aert and Girmay were taken to the hospital for further evaluation, the cycling community is left hoping for a speedy recovery for all those involved in the unfortunate incident. The focus now shifts to the upcoming races, where the absence of these talented riders will surely be felt.