BMC leader went down in a large crash with about 50km to go and is out with a suspected broken collarbone
Tejay van Garderen (BMC) has been forced to abandon the Vuelta a España with a suspected broken collarbone on stage eight. The BMC team leader went down in a large crash with approximately 50km left to race and remained on the ground for a long time.
When he sat up, his body language indicated a broken collarbone, but this has not been confirmed.
#LV2015 Stage 8: BMC Racing Team's @tejay_van has withdrawn (injuries from a crash). #lavuelta
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) August 29, 2015
The incident continues an unfortunate season for the American after he was forced out of the Tour de France in July due to illness when a podium finish in Paris was potentially within his reach.
Also involved in the crash was Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Soudal) who was reportedly left unconscious on the ground and in need of medical attention.
His team later tweeted an update:
#LV2015 @krisboeckmans is taken to hospital, he's conscious and the situation is stable. More news later.
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) August 29, 2015
Continuing his crash affected season, Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) was taken down in the crash but was seen to be chasing back to the peloton soon after remounting his bike. However, he later had to call time on his race as it became clear that his injuries would not allow him to continue with the Vuelta.
We can confirm that @DanMartin86 has withdrawn from #LV2015 following a crash. Has been taken to the hospital.
— Cannondale-Drapac (@Ride_Argyle) August 29, 2015
Dan Martin (Cannondale-Garmin) was caught up in the incident and it has been confirmed that he was also forced to withdraw from the race.