Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen was put into an induced coma Wednesday after suffering injuries in a crash on the final stretch of the Tour of Poland, organizers said.
A massive crash at the finish of the first stage resulted in Dylan Groenewegen‘s disqualification from the race.
Leading a bunch sprint, Groenewegen veered toward the right barrier, pinching countryman Jakobsen, who barreled into the barrier meters from the finish line.
Jakobsen went head over heels, his bike went airborne and the barriers exploded onto the road, causing more cyclists to crash.
Jakobsen was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition and was put into an induced coma, the Tour de Pologne press office said.
Doctor Pawel Gruenpeter of the hospital in Sosnowiec said Jakobsen suffered injuries to the head and chest but that his condition was stable at the intensive care unit. Jakobsen will need surgery to his face and skull, Gruenpeter told state broadcaster TVP Sport.
Groenewegen crossed the finish line first but was disqualified, giving Jakobsen the stage win, according to the stage race website.
Groenewegen, a 27-year-old Jumbo-Visma rider, owns four Tour de France stage wins among the last three years.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) “strongly condemned” Groenewegen’s “dangerous” and “unacceptable” behavior. It referred Groenewegen’s actions to a disciplinary commission for possible sanctions.
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The crash involving Fabio Jakobsen and Dylan Groenewegen during the Tour of Poland on August 5, 2020, was a significant and highly publicized incident in the cycling world. Here are the key details:
The Incident
Crash Details: During the final sprint of Stage 1 in Katowice, Poland, Dylan Groenewegen deviated from his line, causing Fabio Jakobsen to collide with the barriers at high speed (approximately 50 miles per hour or 80 kilometers per hour). Jakobsen was thrown over the barriers and collided with a race official, leading to a massive crash that involved several other riders
Immediate Aftermath: Jakobsen suffered severe injuries, including a brain contusion, fractured skull, broken nose, torn palate, and extensive facial injuries. He was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries, including a five-hour reconstructive facial surgery
Consequences for Groenewegen
Disqualification and Suspension: Groenewegen was disqualified from the race immediately after the crash and later received a nine-month suspension from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for his "dangerous behavior" and deviation from his line
Public Apology and Reactions: Groenewegen publicly apologized for the incident, expressing his remorse and stating that it was never his intention to cause harm. He faced significant backlash, including death threats directed at him and his family, which required police protection.
Jakobsen's Recovery
Medical Treatment: Jakobsen's recovery involved multiple surgeries to reconstruct his face and jaw. He also suffered from vocal cord nerve damage, which affected his breathing, a critical aspect for a professional cyclist.
Return to Cycling: Despite the severity of his injuries, Jakobsen made a remarkable recovery and returned to professional cycling. He rejoined his team, Deceuninck-Quickstep, for a training camp in Spain and aimed to compete again at the World Tour level.
Broader Impact on Cycling Safety
Safety Reforms: The crash prompted widespread calls for improved safety measures in cycling races. The UCI acknowledged the need for reforms and pledged to enhance safety conditions, particularly concerning race finishes and barrier setups.
Community Reactions: The cycling community, including former professional cyclists, criticized the existing safety protocols and called for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
Investigations and Legal Proceedings: The incident led to investigations by local prosecutors in Poland, and there were discussions about potential criminal charges against Groenewegen. Jakobsen and his team also explored legal avenues for liability and damages.
The crash between Jakobsen and Groenewegen was a pivotal moment in professional cycling, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and the severe consequences of high-speed crashes in the sport.
