Tour de France Champion Rushed to Hospital After Horror Crash Leads to Race Cancellation
A two-time Tour de France champion was rushed to the hospital following a horror crash that ultimately led to the cancellation of the race. The incident occurred as the cyclists were descending at high speed around a tight right-hand corner from the summit of the Olaeta climb in northern Spain.
According to The Sun, the crash was sparked by one rider losing their balance while attempting the bend, causing a chain reaction that resulted in as many as 12 riders, including two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard, falling in the incident. Vingegaard, one of the worst affected by the crash, was seen being supplied with oxygen by paramedics and remained on the floor for several minutes before being taken to the hospital on a stretcher in a neck brace.
Vingegaard’s team, Visma-Lease a Bike, reported that he had suffered a broken collarbone and several broken ribs. Belgian ace Remco Evenepoel was also injured in the crash, sustaining a broken collarbone that will require surgery.
The race was neutralized with 27.9km to go following the huge crash, with the remaining riders competing in the stage but the times not being counted for the general classification. The president of the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés criticized the TV coverage of the crash, calling for more respect for the riders and their families.
The cancellation of the race and the injuries sustained by several top riders have sent shockwaves through the cycling world, with fans and fellow cyclists expressing their concern and support for those involved in the tragic incident.