Vingegaard withdraws from Paris-Nice due to Hand Injury

Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time Tour de France champion, has officially withdrawn from the Paris-Nice race following a hand injury sustained during the fifth stage of the competition

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Visma-Lease a Bike team officials confirmed today that two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard has withdrawn from the Paris-Nice race following a hand injury sustained during a mid-race crash on Thursday. Despite initial fears of a serious injury, medical evaluations revealed that Vingegaard did not suffer any broken bones.

The incident occurred during a challenging stage of the race, where Vingegaard crashed heavily with nearly 100 kilometers remaining. Although he managed to finish the stage in 16th place, 26 seconds behind the leader, the toll of the crash was evident as he crossed the finish line with a bloodied lip and visible distress.

“Jonas Vingegaard has sustained a contusion of the hand after a crash in Paris-Nice. Our medical staff will decide tomorrow if he is fit enough to continue the race,” stated a team representative. The decision to withdraw was made after careful consideration of Vingegaard's condition and the potential risks associated with competing further.

Teammate Matteo Jorgenson, who took over the race leader's yellow jersey following the stage, recounted the moments after the crash. “I was coming back from a nature break and I saw him stopped on the side of the road with some blood on his face. He told me that his hand was really painful and that it might be broken,” Jorgenson said.

The emotional weight of the situation was palpable within the Visma-Lease a Bike organization. Vingegaard’s injury raised alarm bells, as a broken bone could jeopardize his preparations for the upcoming Tour de France. Post-stage images showed Vingegaard struggling to remove his gloves, and reports indicated he broke down in tears, highlighting the severity of his discomfort.

Despite the setback, Jorgenson displayed resilience and determination by securing a third-place finish in the stage, allowing him to reclaim the yellow jersey. “I am proud of him,” Jorgenson stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to supporting Vingegaard during this challenging time.

Visma-Lease a Bike’s Victor Campenaerts also expressed his concern for Vingegaard, stating, “He had hurt his hand a lot and could no longer use his left brake. We chose to stay out of the stress and to move up on the slopes.”

The crash comes on the heels of a controversial stage the day prior, where Vingegaard criticized race organizers for the conditions. This week has been particularly tumultuous for Tour de France favorites, as Tadej Pogacar also suffered a significant crash during the Strade Bianche but managed to recover and win the race.

As the team assesses Vingegaard's condition, they remain hopeful for a swift recovery. The health and well-being of their athletes take precedence over competition, and the team is committed to ensuring Vingegaard receives the necessary care.