Medical updates continued to emerge after the crash that marred the final kilometre of Tour de France stage 12, with multiple riders from several teams caught up in a high-speed incident as the sprint unfolded near the front of the peloton. While stage results did not reflect the scale of the damage—riders involved were given the same time as the bunch because the fall occurred within 5km of the finish in Chalon-sur-Saône—the consequences have been immediate for some, with early reports confirming two abandonments due to collarbone fractures.
The crash happened as riders positioned for the final sprint, around 350 metres from the line, and involved riders from a range of teams. Some squads, including Lotto-Intermarché and UNO-X Mobility, reported multiple riders affected. With stage 13 set to start in Dole, several teams indicated that monitoring would continue overnight and into the following day, particularly around concussion protocols and evolving symptoms.
Confirmed injuries and abandonments after the stage 12 sprint crash
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA confirmed that Fernando Gaviria must abandon the Tour de France after tests “carried out immediately after the stage” confirmed a fracture of his left collarbone. The team said the Colombian sprinter suffered a heavy crash during the sprint of the twelfth stage and reported “intense pain in his left collarbone area.”
Lotto-Intermarché also announced an abandonment, stating it was “gutted” to see Jenno Berckmoes forced to leave the race after crashing heavily in the stage 12 sprint. The team said Berckmoes suffered a broken collarbone and will undergo surgery in Belgium the next day.
In the same update, Lotto-Intermarché provided an initial assessment on Liam Slock, who was also involved in the crash. The team reported abrasions to both elbows and his right hip, adding that it hoped he would recover well overnight and that he was expected to be able to continue in the Tour.
Netcompany Ineos shared a medical note on Dorian Godon, describing his crash as unavoidable after a rider fell in front of him during the stage 12 sprint. The team reported skin abrasions and muscular back pain. It added that an initial assessment by the Tour de France race doctor and then the team doctor found “no evidence of concussion,” and said Godon would be closely monitored at least twice daily according to UCI concussion guidance.
Picnic PostNL reported that Pavel Bittner was caught in the big crash in the finale, which ended the chance of a result on the day. The team’s update added that “for now he looks to be ok,” indicating no immediate major injury was announced in the initial communication.
UNO-X Mobility said the crash in the final kilometre brought down Søren Wærenskjold, Jonas Abrahamsen and Anthon Charmig before the sprint in Chalon-sur-Saône. The team reported that all three sustained multiple cuts and abrasions, and that initial examinations immediately after the stage did not identify injuries requiring X-rays. UNO-X Mobility added that the riders would continue to be monitored closely in the evening, including concussion assessments where appropriate.
What teams are watching next ahead of the next stage
With the stage 12 incident occurring inside the 5km safety zone, the time gaps did not define the day’s outcome for those caught behind or on the ground, but the medical fallout is shaping team plans immediately. Two riders—Gaviria and Berckmoes—have already been ruled out of continuing due to collarbone fractures, while others remain under observation.
Several updates emphasised that assessments were ongoing rather than final. Netcompany Ineos highlighted continued monitoring under UCI concussion guidance, while UNO-X Mobility referenced concussion assessments “where appropriate” alongside ongoing checks. Even for riders who cleared initial examinations, teams indicated that symptoms and recovery overnight could still influence whether they take the start in Dole.
As further evaluations continue, teams are expected to provide additional information as needed, particularly for riders dealing with pain, abrasions, or any delayed signs that could change their ability to continue in the Tour de France.
