DUTCH cyclist Fabio Jakobsen is fighting for his life after a horrific crash in the Tour of Poland. The 23-year-old suffered severe head trauma following the sickening smash which left bodies strewn everywhere on stage one of the race. Dylan Groenewegen, 27, veered right across the road in the final downhill sprint. He collided into […]
DUTCH cyclist Fabio Jakobsen is fighting for his life after a horrific crash in the Tour of Poland.
The 23-year-old suffered severe head trauma following the sickening smash which left bodies strewn everywhere on stage one of the race.
Dylan Groenewegen, 27, veered right across the road in the final downhill sprint.
He collided into Jakobsen and sent him through the barriers, where he wiped out an official in Katowice.
Race doctor Barbara Jerschina said of Jakobsen: “His condition is very severe.
“There is a danger to his life.
“Unfortunatelty, it is quite a serious injury to the head and brain.
“He has lost a lot of blood. He is very strong. I hope he will survive.”
Another race doctor is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: “It is a severe head and brain trauma.
“We did what we could, the medical team came immediately.
“The biggest problems were with intubation, a huge trauma to the palate, heavy bleeding.
“The health condition is very serious, it is a direct threat to life.”
Doctors treated Deceuninck-QuickStep rider Jakobsen at the scene after an air ambulance was called to the finish line.
Jumbo-Visma sprinter Groenewegen, who was named as the stage winner before being disqualified, and several other riders also fell after crossing the line.
The race official caught up in the crash suffered head and spinal injuries but was speaking when he was rushed to hospital.
Groenewegen was slammed by cycling’s governing body.
The UCI said it “strongly condemns the dangerous behaviour” of Jakobsen’s fellow Dutchman.
A statement read: “The UCI, which considers the behaviour unacceptable, immediately referred the matter to the disciplinary commission to request the imposition of sanctions commensurate with the seriousness of the facts.”
Jumbo-Visma said: “Our thoughts go out to Fabio Jakobsen and other people involved in today’s terrible crash in the Tour of Poland – crashes like these should not happen.
“We offer our sincere apologies and we will discuss internally what has happened before we may make any further statement.”
