Cycling: Fall chaos on the tour – “Risk will extremely high”

Bone breaks, tattered jerseys and bloody wounds-the feared fall chaos at the Tour de France has arrived on the first few days and has already led to well-known failures such as sprint king Jasper Philipsen. All efforts of the World Association UCI with the introduction of yellow cards or change the kilometer rule brought nothing – also because the drivers reach the limits with the world’s largest bike spectacle – and beyond.

“After the World Cup, the tour is the largest that can be achieved as a cycling professional. That is why the risk of risk here is extremely high,” said Sprinter Phil Bauhaus, who finished third on the third stage in Dunkirchen.

Red Bull sports director Rolf Aldag sees it similarly: “The first week is probably the most dangerous, because everyone believes that they can write cycling history. In the second, third week everyone knows where to belong. Then it will also be withdrawn and slowed down.”

Rib and collarbone fracture at Philipsen

The biggest sprint attraction in the field is already out – for a long time. The Belgian Philipsen, who fell after a ripple at the intermediate sprint at km / h at km / h after a first diagnosis, suffered a shifted fracture of the keybone and at least one rib fracture. He has already been operated on in the HERENTALS hospital.

“The broken dream,” headed the “L’Equipe” and at the Belgian TV broadcaster Sporza could be read online: “From heaven to hell. Jasper Philipsens Tour de France is over.” His prominent teammate Mathieu van der Poel was also badly affected: “It is a big crap to lose him. Not only on the bike, but also at the table. He is a good friend. I hope it’s not that bad.”

In addition to Philipsen, the two -time world champion and train wheel Olympic champion Filippo Ganna from Italy and the Swiss Stefan Bissegger – two of the world’s best time drivers – are already at home and thus victims of the annual spectacle tour.

UCI measures cannot prevent falls

The UCI had taken extra measures such as the introduction of yellow cards. In the case of two warnings in a race, a seven -day lock takes place. Three yellow cards within 30 days result in a lock of 14 days.

The Frenchman Bryan Coquard was identified as a fall cause at Philipsen and contained a corresponding warning as well as 500 Swiss francs punishment and a deduction of 13 points. Philipsen’s team -mate Jonas Rickaert should not calm this just as much as the French apology. “He told me that he couldn’t do anything, but it is not the first time that he takes too much risk in the intermediate sprint, even though he cannot win her. Risking his life for ten points, that’s crazy.”

No time loss for the stars

The expansion of the so-called three-kilometer rule to up to five kilometers does not prevent falls, but at least ensures some relaxation with the hectic targets. When falling onto flat stages within this area, the drivers concerned are rated at the same time in the group at the time of the incident. After all, the top stars around defending champion Tadej Pogacar in Dunkirk has saved this from a loss of time.

The two Red Bull hopefuls Primoz Roglic and Florian Lipowitz have so far been well through – albeit with little time loss. “The 30 seconds will not decide the tour, a heavy fall,” said Aldag recently. So far, the invoice has been working.