Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) has confirmed that he has been forced to withdraw from the Critérium du Dauphiné following a diagnosis of a sacral fracture.
The Irish rider came down in a crash on yesterday’s second stage of the race from Vienne to Col de Porte with just over 20 kilometres remaining. Despite the serious injury suffered and requiring roadside medical treatment, he went on to finish the stage 25 minutes behind stage winner Primož Roglič (Team Jumbo-Visma).
His team released a statement on Twitter this morning confirming the news saying: “After a crash in the second stage of the Criterium du Dauphine, ISN team rider Dan Martin was diagnosed with a “non-dislocated sacral fracture (S3). Following the recommendation of ISN Head Doctor Ortwin Shafer, Dan Martin who is enduring significant pain, has quit the dauphine race and returned home for a period of rest to heal the fracture. The ISN medical team will follow his recovery closely.”
”I am really hopeful that I will be ready for the Tour De France. It’s a shame as I felt I was in great shape – but I’m a fast healer and I have reason to remain optimistic,” said Martin.
