Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen went into an induced coma on Wednesday. He sustained head and chest injuries in a crash on final stretch of the Tour de Pologne race in southern Poland, according to the organisers.
Jakobsen was sent flying into the side barriers after he collided with Dylan Groenewegen while cycling. He was airlifted to a hospital and serious condition where he was put into an induced coma, as per the Tour de Pologne press office.
Doctor Pawel Gruenpeter of the hospital in Sosnowiec said Jakoben suffered injuries to the head and chest. He, however, said that his condition was stable at the intensive care unit. He also informed that Jakobsen will require surgery to his face and skull.
Race director Czelaw Lang blamed Groenewegen for the crash. He stated the his actions were “not fair play”.
“Groenewegen changed his trajectory, was pressing Jakobsen to the right side and on top of that stuck out his elbow. You don’t do that,” said Lang.
Jakobsen was named the winner of the opening stage and Groenewegen was disqualified. Some referees and other cyclists were also injured in the crash.