Mireia Benito (AG Insurance coverage-Soudal Fast Step) was the primary rider that needed to abandon the Tour de France Femmes when she crashed solely 27 kilometres into the primary stage of the race. The 26-year-old Spaniard had simply taken a gel and put her proper hand again on the handlebar. It seems she then hit a bump within the street in a slight proper flip, inflicting her to veer off-road and tumble head-first into the roadside ditch.
At first, Benito was unresponsive and acquired medical consideration on the scene earlier than being transported to hospital for check-ups. The crew confirmed in a medical replace that Benito had suffered a concussion however no different severe accidents.
Talking to Cyclingnews on the end in Clermont-Ferrand, crew supervisor Natascha den Ouden mentioned that whereas Benito couldn’t keep in mind the crash, the hospital check-up had revealed no mind accidents aside from the concussion.
Den Ouden added that the crew carefully follows the UCI’s concussion protocol and would give Benito time to recuperate totally.
Benito herself posted in an Instagram story: “Thanks everybody for the messages. Do not know what occurred however nothing damaged. I will be again stronger.”
“Mireia was dropped at hospital after her crash. Scans and additional examinations revealed a concussion, however no different severe accidents. She is within the care of the crew now and can journey dwelling for additional restoration quickly,” mentioned crew physician Sophie van Bakel. “We do want Mireia nicely and can miss her within the race and on the crew bus.”
Crew chief Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio was disillusioned to lose Benito as she pursues the general Tour de France Femmes podium.
“It is disappointing to lose Mireia as a result of she is robust teammate,” mentioned Moolman-Pasio. “We’re nonetheless very centered and robust as a crew although. In the present day everybody rode nicely collectively and dropped me off on the foot of that climb completely. I felt good on the climb and adopted the wheel of Demi and Marlen. Lotte took the component of shock however I’m proud of my legs. There are extra exhausting days to come back.”