Primoz Roglic was among the fallers on today's stage 4 of Critérium du Dauphiné which was dramatic even before it began as Egan Bernal (Team Ineos) did not start due to an injured back.
Two big names - Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Steven Kruijswijk (Jumbo-Visma) - were forced out of the race due to injuries they sustained in a crash after just 29km while descending the Col de Plan Bois.
Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), who may push Bernal and Roglic for overall victory at the Tour de France in two weeks, was also caught up in that early crash but was able to continue in the race.
However, Kruijswijk is out with an apparent dislocated shoulder; a big blow to Roglic and Jumbo Buchmann and his team mate Gregor Mühlberger were taken away to hospital to be assessed.
Advertisement
Roglic crashed after 82km; falling hard and appearing to be about to abandon the race until he got going again and got back on to the favourites' group with the help of team mate Sepp Kuss.
Roglic, the race leader, was left with a torn jersey and shorts on both sides while his left arm, shoulder and left hip and thigh appeared to have sustained significant road rash.
The 153.5km stage from Ugine to Megève was won from a breakaway by Lennard Kämna (Bora-hansgrohe); by 41 seconds from David de la Cruz (UAE-Team Emirates) with Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-QuickStep) a further 15 seconds back in 3rd.
Related News
Thibaut Pinot (Groupama FDJ) led home the select group for 9th place some 3:01 down on the stage winner, with Roglic on his wheel and holding the race lead going into tomorrow's final stage.
Nicolas Roche (Team Sunweb) was 51st today at 16:02 and is the only Irish rider left in the race after Dan Martin crashed on Thursday and did not start yesterday's stage.
Topics
