For some drivers, a concrete base plate at the exit of the curve was their undoing. Others fell in the forest a few meters later. The race was then neutralized.
As Soudal-Quick-Step announced, Evenepoel was taken to a hospital for examinations.
The Belgian was initially seen limping in the TV broadcast – like Roglic – but the 24-year-old also grabbed his ribs.
According to initial information from the organizers, Roglic and Evenepoel each suffered a broken collarbone. Despite this circumstance, Roglic was able to leave the scene in the passenger seat of a support car.
Vingegaard transported away on a stretcher
According to a report from his Visma – Lease a Bike team, Vingegaard was also taken to a hospital. When he was transported, he could be seen on a stretcher with a neck brace and ventilator.
Television images showed how Vingegaard was given first aid by carers in a stable position on his side for several minutes. The two-time Tour winner’s back was covered in blood.
More than an hour after the accident, the Danish superstar’s team gave the all-clear. The two-time Tour de France winner was “conscious” and had broken his collarbone and several ribs. He will initially remain in the hospital as a precaution.
Roglic again unlucky in the Basque Country
Roglic had already fallen on the third stage on Wednesday. The Slovenian suffered abrasions, bruises and bruises, but was able to get back on the bike and defend his overall lead.
The tour was considered a preparatory race for the Tour de France for Roglic, Vingegaard and Evenepoel. All three want to fight for overall victory in France.
The trio had to give up the Basque Country tour after the crashes. The plans for the coming weeks are now likely to change.
Mystery about Roglic’s fall: Bora star fights for connection
Meintjes wins the stage after the break
As the organizers announced afterwards, the race was neutralized until the finish line.
The breakaway group around Reuben Thompson (Groupama-FDJ), Louis Meintjes (Intermarché-Wanty), Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies), Mikel Retegi (Equipo Kern Pharma), Joseba López (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Karel Vacek (Burgos-BH) Although they were allowed to fight for the day’s victory, the result was not included in the overall ranking.
The victory ultimately went to Meintjes. The South African separated himself from his five-strong competition and became only the second day winner from his country on a Basque Country tour after Daryl Impey (2012).
Subdued mood in Legutio: Meintjes wins after a shock fall
“That’s very unfortunate and takes away your joy,” explained Meintjes afterwards in the official winner’s interview. “It may be a victory, but it doesn’t feel like it because you want fair conditions for everyone.”
Cycling plagued by violent incidents
There have been a number of serious accidents in cycling in recent days.
Van Aert has already undergone successful surgery. Last year, the Swiss Gino Mäder died after a serious fall.
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