Multiple professional cyclists, including Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto-Intermarché), have been forced to withdraw from the Tour de France following a high-speed crash in the final kilometer of Stage 12. While race rules granted riders the same time as the bunch due to the incident occurring within the final 5km, the physical toll has resulted in confirmed fractures and ongoing concussion monitoring for several competitors.
Confirmed Withdrawals and Medical Diagnoses
The impact of the Stage 12 crash has immediate consequences for the race roster. According to Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, sprinter Fernando Gaviria has officially abandoned the Tour de France after medical tests confirmed a fracture in his left collarbone. Gaviria went down during the sprint finish after being cut off by another rider.
Lotto-Intermarché reported a similar outcome for Jenno Berckmoes, who also sustained a broken collarbone in the same incident. The team confirmed that Berckmoes is scheduled for surgery in Belgium. His teammate, Liam Slock, was involved in the same crash but escaped with abrasions to his elbows and right hip; the team expects Slock to continue in the race.
Ongoing Monitoring and Concussion Protocols
Not all riders involved in the crash have been ruled out, though they remain under medical scrutiny. Netcompany Ineos rider Dorian Godon, who suffered skin abrasions and muscular back pain, has been cleared of immediate concussion symptoms. According to the team, Godon will undergo mandatory monitoring at least twice daily, adhering to strict UCI concussion guidance.
UNO-X Mobility faced significant impact, with Søren Wærenskjold, Jonas Abrahamsen, and Anthon Charmig all hitting the deck. The team reported that initial examinations did not identify injuries requiring X-rays, though all three riders continue to be monitored for potential delayed symptoms or concussion.
| Rider | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fernando Gaviria | Caja Rural-Seguros RGA | Withdrawn (Fractured collarbone) |
| Jenno Berckmoes | Lotto-Intermarché | Withdrawn (Fractured collarbone) |
| Dorian Godon | Netcompany Ineos | Under observation |
Future Trends in Peloton Safety
Did you know? Modern race medical teams now utilize standardized UCI concussion protocols that require teams to perform multiple assessments per day, a shift from previous years where riders were often cleared solely based on physical trauma rather than neurological impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the riders given the same time despite the crash?
Under Tour de France regulations, if a crash occurs within the final 5km of a stage, riders affected by the incident are credited with the same finish time as the group they were riding with, preventing a single mechanical or physical mishap from ruining a general classification contender’s standing.
What is the UCI concussion protocol?
The UCI protocol requires team doctors to perform structured neurological assessments on any rider involved in a crash where a head impact is suspected. This often involves monitoring the rider at least twice daily to ensure no delayed symptoms appear.
Are all riders who crashed out of the race?
No. While riders like Fernando Gaviria and Jenno Berckmoes sustained fractures requiring withdrawal, others—such as Liam Slock and the UNO-X Mobility trio—were assessed as having only minor abrasions and are expected to continue.
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