Steven Kruijswijk and Emanuel Buchmann have crashed out of the 2020 Critérium du Dauphiné.
The two GC riders fell during stage four on the descent of the Col de Plan Bois, the first of six categorised climbs on the penultimate stage of the French race.
Kruijswijk (Jumbo-Visma) looked to be in some pain following the crash, gingerly holding his left arm, although the exact injury is yet to be confirmed by his team.
Moments later it was announced Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) had also abandoned the race after being caught up in the same crash.
>>> Egan Bernal abandons Critérium du Dauphiné 2020
Bora-Hansgrohe have said Buchmann suffered "deep abrasions", while his team-mate Gregor Mühlberger was also forced to abandon with a suspected arm injury.
Along with Egan Bernal (Ineos) pulling out prior to stage four with a sore back, the first, third and fourth-placed riders in last year's Tour de France have now abandoned the Critérium du Dauphiné.
The warm-up race to the French Grand Tour ends tomorrow, with the Tour then setting off from Nice in two week's time on Saturday August 29.
Updates to follow...
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Team bosses underwhelmed by 'symbolic' UCI rider development fee plan
The new rule will see development teams earn €2,000 a season once a rider signs to the WorldTour
-
First ever sale at premium kids' bike brand Islabikes
Parents wanting to get their kids a new bike can get up to 35% off while stocks last
-
After 'fighting with the best guys', Ben O'Connor is proud of his Critérium du Dauphiné podium
Australian heads into Tour de France with best WorldTour stage result in his pocket
-
Can anyone stop the Jumbo juggernaut? Five talking points from the Critérium du Dauphiné
Wout van Aert and Primož Roglič are the best at the French race, but the Tour de France is another level up
-
Jonas Vingegaard wins stage eight of the Critérium du Dauphiné as Roglič triumphs on GC
It was a dominant display from the Jumbo Visma pair who crossed the line hand in hand and secured a 1-2 on GC
-
Carlos Verona holds off Primož Roglič to win stage seven of the Critérium du Dauphiné
Verona proved to be the strongest rider in the breakaway as he time-trialled up the final climb to victory
-
A 'dangerous mistake' — Juan Sebastián Molano disqualified from Critérium du Dauphiné for hitting Hugo Page
Colombian sprinted thrown out of race after striking Frenchman on camera late on Friday's stage
-
Valentin Ferron triumphs from breakaway on stage six of the Critérium du Dauphiné
TotalEnergies take their second win of the race as day's escape lasts until the end of the day
-
'If even your GC guys who weigh 60 kilos are pulling, you have to finish it off' - No more disappointment for Wout van Aert at Dauphiné
Jumbo-Visma rider took his second stage win in five days in France on Thursday, and stays in race lead
-
Wout van Aert sprints to stage five victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné as break caught in final 100 metres
Belgian wins his second stage of race to maintain general classification lead
