Dutch Cyclist Seriously Injured in Major Crash at Tour de Pologne

Several cyclists were injured, one seriously, after riders crashed at high speeds at the finish line of Stage One of the Tour de Pologne in Katowice, Poland, on August 5, according to news reports.

Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen was airlifted to a specialist hospital in life-threatening condition and was placed in a medically induced coma, according to local reports. At least four other riders and a race official sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

News reports said cyclist Dylan Groenewegen, also Dutch, is facing disciplinary action for his role in the crash as he is accused of deliberately pushing Jakobsen into the side barrier as the two jostled for position just before the finish line.

The International Cyclist Union (UCI) released a statement condemning Groenewegen’s actions and disqualifying him from the race.

“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) strongly condemns the dangerous behaviour of rider Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Wisma), who sent Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quickstep) into the barriers a few metres from the finish, causing a collective crash at the end of the first stage of the Tour of Poland,” wrote UCI. Credit: Michał Sadowski via Storyful