The massive crash in Friday's Stage 6 of the 2012 Tour de France has had enormous implications, including the withdrawal of 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal.
The wreck that split the peloton in half about 26km from the finish line of Stage 6 involved several top names and resulted in multiple serious injuries. The most notable to be injured is Hesjedal, who suffered leg and hip injuries in the wreck and lost 13 minutes off the pace, dropping to 108th place at the end of the day on Friday.
The Canadian cyclist has officially withdrawn from the Tour, Dean Campbell of CTVOlympics.ca reports.
"It's very disappointing to leave the Tour this way," Hesjedal said in a statement. "I was in good form and feeling comfortable, just really settling in to the first week with an eye on the mountains.
"I'll go home, keep working with the medical staff on my recovery, and refocus everything on the Olympics. I will be rooting for them from home and I wish everyone luck for the rest of the Tour."
This is a big blow to Hesjedal's Garmin Sharp team and a blow to the Tour in general. Current favorites Bradley Wiggins and Cadel Evans are still in the running and this may now boil down to be a two-rider dogfight for the title.
Stay up to date with all the latest Tour de France news by staying tuned to this StoryStream or by visiting SB Nation's Podium Cafe.
There are 0 Comments. Add Yours.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.