Going into tomorrow's sprint stage, Team Giant-Shimano were dealt a heavy blow when Dries Devenyns crashed out of the Tour de France. The Belgian suffered numerous injuries and will have to stay in hospital for observation.

Team Giant-Shimano suffered its first loss in the Tour de France, as Dries Devenyns (BEL) had to abandon after crashing on the 14th stage. His injuries are being cared for in hospital in Gap, France. Devenyns was riding in the group around Marcel Kittel, when he crashed on the descent of the Izoard, being thrown into a wall.

“On the Izoard descent, there was a little rock on the road in a curve. I couldn’t see it, and hit it with my front wheel which made me crash,” Devenyns said.

He was taken immediately to hospital in Gap for further examinations, said team physician Nando Liem.

“Dries suffered a brain concussion, for which he will have to stay in hospital for observation. He also has a minor collapsed lung, and will receive conservative treatment for both that and a fracture of the right shoulder blade – at this point surgery is not indicated for either problem. Dries also has an AC joint luxation, a dislocation of the joint between the collarbone and the shoulder blade,” Liem said.

“It was a bad crash for Dries today. We will miss him in the Tour, as an important part of our sprint formation. His talents combined with his experience are a crucial part of the team. We wish Dries a speedy recovery and hope that he is back on the road soon,” said coach Aike Visbeek.