THIS is the shocking moment the inaugural Tour de France Femmes was engulfed in chaos as dozens of cyclists crashed in a mass pile-up.
One rider was rushed to hospital and others suffered injuries just 45km out from the finish line.
Thursday marked the fifth stage of the first-ever female Tour de France, with cyclists embarking on a 175km slog from Bar-Le-Duc to Saint-Die-Des-Vosges.
The huge day-long battle presented one last chance for riders to sprint before heading into the Vosges mountain range tomorrow.
And with the bulk of the stage out of the way, cyclists began to pedal furiously in the hopes of giving their challenge a late boost.
But disaster struck 130km in when the riders were presented with a clear straight road – just two days after another horror crash.
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Stunning video footage showed a tight cluster of cyclists racing along with their handlebars within touching distance of each other.
Suddenly, one rider was seen going down while quickly bringing others to the ground with her.
Those behind then crashed into the back of the stricken group, creating an even bigger pile-up.
And the road was soon completely blocked as medics raced to those who were in need of urgent treatment.
Once those who were OK to continue sped off in search of the leading pack, it became clear several were hurt.
Danish star Emma Norsgaard of Movistar was rushed to hospital in an ambulance with a reported broken collarbone.
Meanwhile, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak suffered an injured right arm.
And Lotte Kopecky also received a minor injury.
One of the biggest pile-ups I’ve ever seen
Twitter user
Earlier this month, Italian rider Daniel Oss suffered a broken NECK after crashing into a fan at the same stage.
And half the peloton was wiped out last year by a punter holding a sign.
Viewers were left equally distraught as they sent their best wishes to Norsgaard.
Once said: “This is one of the biggest pile-ups I’ve ever seen and it really doesn’t look good for Emma Norsgaard.”
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Another noted: “Emma Norsgaard abandons. Sending my best wishes (broken heart emoji).”
One added: “She looks in a lot of pain. Fingers crossed it’s not too serious.”
