Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel break collarbones in horror Basque Country crash

A huge crash on Stage 4 of the Itzulia Basque Country saw a host of riders injured as Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel suffered broken collarbones and Primoz Roglic was also hurt as the race was neutralised.

The trio were amongst multiple riders involved in a nasty crash with 35km to go that saw Vingegaard and Evenepoel having to receive extensive treatment.

Vingegaard was taken into an ambulance on a stretcher with obvious concern for his condition.

His team Visma Lease a Bike said the Dane was “stable and conscious” but suffered a broken collarbone and several broken ribs.

“It was a nasty crash, but fortunately he is stable and conscious. Examinations at the hospital have revealed that he has a broken collarbone and several broken ribs,” Visma Lease a Bike posted on social media.

“He remains in hospital as a precaution. Thank you for all your messages.”

Evenepoel, who walked away from the scene clutching his arm in a manner suggestive of a collarbone or shoulder injury, was also hospitalised.

His team Soudal Quick-Step released an update later on Thursday.

“The Belgian Champion suffered a fracture to his right collarbone and his right scapula,” it said.

“Remco will travel to Belgium on Friday, where he will undergo an operation on his collarbone, and further examination, at the hospital in Herentals. Further updates will be given in due course.”

Evenepoel himself provided a quick video update for his fans.

UAE Team Emirates confirmed Jay Vine was one of those caught in the crash and was conscious and talking in hospital.

A subsequent update from the team’s Medical Director Dr Adriano Rotunno explained the severity of Vine’s injuries.

“Jay Vine suffered a heavy crash today during the race and sustained a cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral body fractures,” he said.

“Thankfully no neurological involvement, and there are no other major injuries or head trauma. Jay will stay in hospital for neurological observation. We await spinal orthopaedic assessment and further management. Get well soon Jay.”

So many ambulances were needed at the scene of the incident that the race was neutralised for safety reasons.

Organisers said the six leading riders from the breakaway could compete for the stage win, but times would not be recorded for the general classification.

Victory was eventually claimed by Louis Meintjes, with Karel Vacek and Reuben Thompson behind him, to muted celebrations as news of the condition of riders continued to come in.

The incident occurred as the peloton approached a corner while descending.

A rider slid off after some contact, setting off a chain reaction that sent multiple riders off the road and into the woods or a concrete gutter.

The aftermath made for difficult viewing, with riders strewn across the ground and ambulances rushing to provide treatment.

Vingegaard was treated while lying in the recovery position, while Roglic managed to limp off after ending up in the gutter. Evenepoel was back on his feet but nursing his arm.

There were also concerns over the condition of Vine, who appeared badly hurt.

Lidl-Trek later said that Natnael Tesfatsion “was unfortunately among the riders who suffered the worst.”

“After being attended by the race doctors onsite, Tesfazion was transported to hospital by ambulance for all the necessary checks,” the team wrote on their website.

“He never lost consciousness, despite the bad crash, but suffered numerous contusions and abrasions on the right part of his body.

“The medical examinations performed on Natnael revealed no fractures or concussion. Further treatment is currently underway, particularly on the right elbow, the most severe injury sustained by the rider.”

Team TotalEnergies wrote that Steff Crass was involved but “conscious.”

EF Education-EasyPost gave an update on two riders: ”Alexander Cepeda and Sean Quinn were involved in a crash…Quinn was forced to abandon. Medical evaluation is ongoing.”

At start of day, Roglic led the GC, with Evenepoel behind him by seven seconds and Vingegaard fifth, 14 seconds back.

The penultimate 175.9km Stage 5 goes from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Amorebieta-Etxano on Friday.