A crash-marred stage just before the race heads into the mountains.
What should have been a pretty straightforward stage turned into one of the most horrible days of this cycling season, after dozens of riders hit the ground in a crash that took place 20 kilometers from home. Among the many involved in this incident there was also yellow jersey Remco Evenepoel, who fortunately got up from the ground and remounted his bike after being assessed by the Soudal Quick-Step medical staff.
Eventually, the organisers decided to neutralise the race and have the peloton ride to the finish in Saint-Priest at a slow pace. As a result, there was no winner at the end of the day and no times were taken in the general classification, which Evenepoel continues to lead following his stage four victory.
“Because of the rain, the roads became very slippery, and as we were on a descent, the crash happened. I don’t think anyone can be blamed for this. I was a bit unlucky, as I almost avoided the crash, but another bike got caught under my bike, and I ended up on the ground, on my right side again. Overall, I think I am ok, but I will know more tomorrow morning before the start of stage six”, Remco said at the finish.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
