Niki Terpstra (Direct Energie) is set to miss this year’s Paris-Roubaix after crashing in Sunday’s Tour of Flanders and suffering a severe head trauma, with the the rider kept overnight in hospital as a precaution.
Terpstra was looking to defend his Tour of Flanders title but was involved in a crash that knocked him unconscious with 157km left to race, as the peloton approached the Oude Kwaremont.
Crash and end of the race for our 2018 winner @NikiTerpstra 🤕 We wish him a speedy recovery! #RVV #RVV19 pic.twitter.com/9ACBs9T2vC
— Ronde Van Vlaanderen (@RondeVlaanderen) April 7, 2019
The Dutchman will now miss out on Paris-Roubaix this weekend, a race he won in 2014, according to a statement released by his management company.
SEG Cycling said on Twitter: “Niki Terpstra suffered a sever concussion during his crash in the Tour of Flanders. Unfortunately, this crash ended his spring season. Recovery is needed now.”
2018 #RVV Champ @NikiTerpstra suffered a severe concussion during his crash in the @RondeVlaanderen today. Unfortunately, this crash ended his spring season. Recovery is needed now. On behalf of Niki we thank for all the support and hope everyone let him rest and heal from this.
— SEG Cycling (@SEGcycling) April 7, 2019
Terpstra’s wife, Ramona, thanked fans for their supportive posts on social media and confirmed her husband would be kept in the hospital overnight as a precaution. She said: “Thanks for all the posts! Just arrived at Niki in the hospital. He has a heavy concussion and will have to rest well for the time being. We’ll stay a night here to be sure. I am particularly pleased that I can still cuddle him. They were anxious moments!”
Bedankt voor alle berichten! Net aangekomen bij Niki in het ziekenhuis. Hij heeft een fikse hersenschudding en zal goed moeten rusten voorlopig. We blijven een nacht hier voor de zekerheid. Ik ben vooral heel blij dat ik hem nog kan knuffelen. Het waren angstige momenten! #RVV19
— Ramona Terpstra (@ramonavdlecq) April 7, 2019
The 34-year-old moved to Direct Energie from Quick-Step Floors at the start of the season but has had his spring campaign cut short after a string of strong performances in the early season. Cofidis rider Christophe Laporte was spotted checking on his rival and calling for medical help in the aftermath of the crash.
. @NikiTerpstra on his Instagram Story 👍 @RondeVlaanderen "I'll be back" pic.twitter.com/jFRgKotxCI
— Brian Smith (@BriSmithy) April 7, 2019
The three-time Dutch national road race champion posted on his Instagram story from his hospital bed, telling fans “I’ll be back” whilst the rest of the peloton were still out on the road chasing down Bettiol who attacked from 17km to win his first ever pro race.
