The international cycling union UCI has imposed a nine-month suspension on Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen for the sprint incident in the Tour of Poland in early August. He then brought down his countryman Fabio Jakobsen after a dangerous maneuver. Jakobsen sustained serious injuries. The suspension will take effect retroactively from August 5, the day of the incident, and will be valid until May 7, 2021.
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The crash happened in the opening stage of the Tour of Poland, arriving in Katowice. In a lightning fast mass sprint, in a light descent, Groenewegen clearly deviated from his line, maneuvering the faster Jakobsen into the crush barriers. The unfortunate Dutchman was catapulted over the crush barriers and lay motionless. Doctors worked for a long time to stabilize him, then Jakobsen was put into an artificial coma and for a moment the life of the young Dutch sprinter was feared.
Jumbo-Visma decided to immediately put Groenewegen on hold, but it was waiting for a decision from the UCI regarding a possible penalty. Ultimately, it was a nine-month suspension, during which he may compete again on May 7, 2021, shortly before the start of the Tour of Italy.
“Black page in my career”“/>-
“Black page in my career”
Jumbo-Visma says it is “relieved” that the disciplinary case against Groenewegen has been clarified
“It was a crash in which the seriousness of the consequences was incalculable. Now that the disciplinary case has been completed, we can start looking forward again. We will tackle that together with Dylan. We are relieved that there is now perspective and clarity. We also wish Fabio Jakobsen that. The encouraging reports about his recovery do us good, ”said director Richard Plugge.
“The crash in the first stage of the Tour of Poland will forever remain a black page in my career”, Groenewegen responds. “I deviated from my line during the sprint. I’m sorry because I want to be a fair sprinter. The consequences were very unfortunate and serious. I am very aware of this and hope that this is a wise lesson for every sprinter. I closely follow the news of Fabio’s recovery. I can only hope that one day he will be able to fully return. Completing the disciplinary case with the UCI creates clarity and that gives me the opportunity to look ahead again. I’m glad about that, even though May 7 is still a long way away. I consider myself fortunate with the support I receive from Team Jumbo-Visma, my family and friends. Together we will work towards that day both mentally and physically. ”
The Dutch team of Wout van Aert also emphasizes that Groenewegen fully cooperated with the investigation and once again acknowledged that he regretted deviating from his line during the conscious sprint. “He also stressed that he had no intention of endangering people or causing physical harm. The 27-year-old sprinter will endeavor to promote activities to promote a safe cycling sport ”, is it?
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