Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen has apologised for causing a horror crash that left compatriot Fabio Jakobsen in a medically induced coma on the opening stage of the Tour of Poland.
On Thursday (NZ time), Deceuninck-Quickstep rider Jakobsen somersaulted over roadside barriers at high speed, as he jostled for position with Groenewegen at the end of the 195.8km stage.
Medical staff needed to resuscitate Jakobsen, before he was airlifted to hospital in southern Poland, where he was put in a coma and underwent facial surgery that lasted more than five hours.
St Barbara's Specialised Hospital deputy director Pawel Gruenpeter says the surgery was "very complicated due to the nature of the injuries", but confirmed there is "no direct threat to his life".
Groenewegen also underwent surgery on a broken collarbone and has apologised on Twitter for his actions.
"I find it terrible what happened," he says. "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."
Groenewegen was initially awarded the stage victory, but was later disqualified and the win was given to Jakobsen.
Groenewegen will face further disciplinary action from governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), while local police are investigating the crash.
Stage two winner Mads Pedersen dedicated his win to Jakobsen.
"I dedicate this win to Jakobsen and wish him a speedy recovery," he says. "I hope he gets back to normal life and back to cycling."
The UCI has also come under criticism, with some riders questioning the quality of the safety barriers used at the end of the race.
"Tour of Poland must understand that making arrival at 85kph is always suicide," says Italian rider Fabio Sabatini. "And for years I have thought the same way, but they always want the show."
Fellow Italian Alessandro De Marchi echoed Sabatini's comments
"Situations like yesterday must make the UCI reflect on the current conditions of the race," he says. "They are no longer the 80's when the mattress was sufficient for protection."
Kiwi George Bennett also races for the Jumbo-Visma factory team, although he is not contesting the Tour of Poland.
Last year, Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht died in a crash during stage three of the Tour of Poland.
