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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.