With some 50 km to go in yesterday’s stage, Garmin-Sharp’s Ryder Hesjedal hit the deck in a high-speed crash. Medical staff put the 2012 Giro winner in a neck brace and transported him to a local hospital, where he spent the night in observation.

The Canadian was understandably very disappointed to end the race in an ambulance, said Garmin-Sharp sports director Johnny Weltz to TV3Sport1. At the hospital, Hesjedal was diagnosed with “multiple, severe contusions and abrasions to the right wrist, hip and knee and left shoulder, elbow and knee,” according to a statement released by his team.

Despite suffering a heavy blow to the neck and the head, preliminary CTs showed no fractures or neurological pathologies. Garmin-Sharp medical staff have made an optimistic prognosis that Hesjedal “may be able to train in a few days’ time, although this will depend on his recovery.” The team also stated that “Hesjedal’s health is the team’s priority”.

It looks as though Hesjedal may take the start at the Tour de France in two-and-a-half weeks’ time, although his preparation is likely to be affected both by the lack of racing and by his injuries.