Wilco Kelderman escaped a high-speed crash on the descent of the Col de Joux Plane on the 20th stage of the Tour de France with just some scrapes and bruises.
The accident took place with just over a kilometre remaining of the stage when the Dutch rider lost control of the bike on a slippy corner.
Kelderman had been part of a large breakaway of 30 riders which had gone clear after just one kilometre of racing today. A number of these riders were still in contention on the final climb of the day, the Col de Joux Plane, including Kelderman.
However, he let Izagirre go when the Basque rider attacked on the descent. Coming towards the finish, Kelderman was still in contention for a high finish. However, on a left-hand bend, he lost control and slid into the barriers.
“Just before the final kilometre, a sharp turn appeared suddenly,” Kelderman explained. “My wheel slipped away on a white stripe and I rode into the fences at 60 kilometres an hour.
“I fell on my back and it hurt so much that I wasn’t able to push hard anymore. I’m only suffering some scrapes and bruises fortunately, so I don’t have too much damage.
“I gave everything and fought for what I was capable of. When I crashed, I was in fifth position and that would have been the best possible place today.”
Shane Cannon
medic!
Ouch!