Fabio Jakobsen: Dylan Groenewegen apologises for crash
- Published
Dutch sprinters Fabio Jakobsen (far left) and Dylan Groenewegen (second left, in yellow) collided just before the line
Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen has apologised for the crash that left compatriot Fabio Jakobsen in a coma.
Groenewegen drifted across the road before he and Jakobsen collided near the finish line during stage one of the Tour of Poland on Wednesday.
Jakobsen, 23, was airlifted to hospital and has had facial surgery.
"I find it terrible what happened," Groenewegen, 27, said. "I can't find the words to describe how sorry I am for Fabio and the others involved.
"What matters most now is Fabio's health. I think about him all the time."
Jakobsen's team Deceuninck-QuickStep said on Wednesday that initial tests "didn't reveal brain or spinal injury" and that his condition was stable.
World champion Mads Pedersen won stage two on Thursday and dedicated the victory to Jakobsen.
"I dedicate this win to Jakobsen and wish him a speedy recovery, hope he gets back to a normal life and back to cycling," he said.
Jumbo-Visma sprinter Groenewegen, who was named as the winner of stage one before being disqualified, has had surgery on a broken collarbone after he and several other riders also fell after crossing the line.
Cycling's governing body UCI said it "strongly condemns the dangerous behaviour of Groenewegen".
Richard Plugge, managing director of Jumbo-Visma, said he had visited Groenewegen in hospital and "let him tell his story briefly".
"For him, the recovery of Fabio and the others who were injured in this terrible crash is all that counts now," Plugge added.
"Soon we will discuss the incident in detail with him. Our thoughts are with the victims and we hope with all our heart for a good recovery."