Jonas Vingegaard’s Tour de France Ends with a Crash and Upcoming Surgery

Jonas Vingegaard sustained a broken collarbone after a crash ended his participation in the Tour de France during the 15th stage. The crash occurred about 20 kilometers from the end of the stage near a kerb. After the incident, Vingegaard, a two-time Tour champion, left in an ambulance with his right arm in a sling. His team, Visma–Lease a Bike, confirmed the injury and stated that due to the collarbone fracture’s severity, surgery is necessary in the coming days.

Vingegaard was competing for the overall lead against defending champion Tadej Pogacar before the crash. Speaking on behalf of the team, sporting director Marc Reef expressed his devastation, highlighting the intense pain Vingegaard faced, making it clear he could not continue.

At 29, Vingegaard is among only eight male riders to have won all three Grand Tours. Pogacar expressed his sadness, acknowledging the impact of Vingegaard’s absence on the race. During the same crash incident, Vingegaard’s teammate Sepp Kuss and Pogacar’s teammate Isaac Del Toro also fell but managed to continue racing.

Following the crash, Pogacar’s group slowed briefly before resuming once it was evident Vingegaard would not return. Prior to the accident, Vingegaard was positioned to attack in the final uphill stretch of 11 kilometers at Plateau de Solaison.

The strategy involved controlling the peloton with two riders in the breakaway, according to Reef. Despite their plan, Vingegaard’s untimely exit was a reminder of how unforgiving cycling can be.

The stage concluded with Remco Evenepoel taking the victory, leaving Pogacar in the yellow jersey five minutes ahead in the overall standings. Isaac Del Toro finished in third place.

Adding to the day’s events, both Pogacar and Vingegaard underwent early morning anti-doping tests, with Vingegaard tested at 2 a.m. and Pogacar at 5 a.m.

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