Fabio Jakobsen crash: Dylan Groenewegen apologises after causing accident that left rival in a coma
Jakobsen underwent facial surgery after colliding with the finishing barriers and a race official while Groenewegen had a procedure on a broken collarbone
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen has apologised for the crash that resulted in compatriot Fabio Jakobsen being placed in a medically induced coma.
Groenewegen, who rides for the Jumbo-Visma team, was jostling for position with Jakobsen in the final metres of the first stage of the Tour of Poland when the pair came together.
Jakobsen, 23, crashed into the barriers and collided with a race official. He was taken to hospital and underwent facial surgery.
"I find it terrible what happened," Groenewegen said in a team statement. "I can't find the words to describe how sorry I am for Fabio and the others involved.
"What matters most now is Fabio's health. I think about him all the time," the 27-year-old added.
The sport's governing body, the UCI, had issued a statement strongly condemning the "dangerous behaviour" of Groenewegen, accusing him of causing the crash and disqualifying him from the race.
Jumbo-Visma director Richard Plugge said Groenewegen, who had surgery on a broken collarbone, "feels terrible" about what happened.
"He was deeply affected by it ... Soon we will discuss the incident in detail with him."
The race was meant to be held in July but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was reduced to five stages from the seven originally planned in order to leave room on the calendar for other re-scheduled races.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments