Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard has abandoned this year’s race following a high-speed crash on a roundabout during the fifteenth stage. According to reports from NOS Wielrennen, the Visma-Lease a Bike team leader was involved in a multi-rider incident that forced his immediate withdrawal from the competition.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the fifteenth stage. Vingegaard, who was sitting second in the general classification 4:30 minutes behind Tadej Pogačar, lost control on a roundabout and struck the curb. While other riders were caught in the pile-up, including UAE Team Emirates’ Isaac del Toro, only Vingegaard was forced to end his race. Minutes after the crash, the 29-year-old was seen entering a team vehicle with his arm in a sling. As of late afternoon, the specific nature of his injuries has not been officially confirmed by his team.
Did you know?
Jonas Vingegaard entered this year’s Tour de France following a successful campaign in the Giro d’Italia, where he claimed five stage victories and the overall title.
Doping Controls Spark Pre-Race Controversy
The crash followed a turbulent start to the day for Vingegaard. At 2:00 a.m., the International Testing Agency (ITA), acting on behalf of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), conducted an unannounced doping control at the rider’s hotel. Vingegaard expressed frustration regarding the timing of the test, noting that while he understands the necessity of anti-doping measures, the interruption to his sleep schedule was disruptive.
“Eerst dacht ik dat ze dat niet mochten doen, maar kennelijk mag het volgens de regels,” Vingegaard told reporters before the stage start. “It is good that we are tested, but if that affects our performance, I don’t think it’s good. At two in the morning, that goes a bit far.”
Comparison of Testing Protocols
The early morning testing was not limited to Vingegaard. Race leader Tadej Pogačar was also subjected to an unannounced doping control, though his test took place later that morning at 5:00 a.m.
Pro Tip: Staying Informed
Follow official race bulletins and team social media channels for the latest medical updates on rider health after major crashes in the Tour de France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jonas Vingegaard leave the Tour de France?
Vingegaard withdrew during the fifteenth stage after a crash on a roundabout resulted in an injury to his arm, which required him to be placed in a sling.
Were other riders involved in the accident?
Yes, several other riders were involved in the same crash, including Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates. Unlike Vingegaard, del Toro was able to continue the race.
What happened with the doping tests?
Both Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar were subject to unannounced doping controls by the International Testing Agency (ITA) in the early hours of the morning before the fifteenth stage.
Stay up to date with the latest developments from the peloton. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily stage summaries and injury reports.
Worth a look