One of the most promising sprinters of the youngest generation of professional riders, Moreno Hofland, enjoyed a nearly perfect opening of the Tour of California, finishing third behind the likes of Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano). However, romance of the 22-year old Dutchman with the American stage-event had a highly dramatic end, as Belkin rider crashed during its ultimate stage yesterday and wasn’t able to finish the race.  

Hofland heavily hit the deck during yesterday’s final stage of the Tour of California, and according to NOS was hospitalized after breaking several ribs and suffering minor lumbar vertebrae fracture.

According to Dutch media, Hofland will have to stay in the hospital for a week, but is expecting to recover quickly despite several fractures he sustained in the crash.

Dennis van Winden was another rider who went down on Sunday, but despite some minor bruises and wounded eye he was able to return home with the team.