Jumbo-Visma cyclist Dylan Groenewegen has been banned for nine months for causing the crash that left Fabio Jakobsen in a medically induced coma at the Tour of Poland, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) have announced.
Groenewegen deviated from his line before he and Jakobsen collided near the finish line on stage one back in August.
Jakobsen, 24, crashed into the barriers and collided with a race official. He was taken to hospital and underwent facial surgery while Groenewegen was disqualified.
"The UCI referred [to its disciplinary commission] the case against the rider, who acknowledged that he deviated from his line and committed a violation of UCI regulations," says cycling's governing body.
"The rider collaborated with the investigation and accepted to serve a period of suspension until May 7, 2021, corresponding to a period of nine months from the date of the incident."
Jumbo-Visma said they were relieved that there is now perspective and clarity.
"It was a crash where the severity of the consequences was unfathomable," says Jumbo-Visma.
"Now that the disciplinary case has been concluded, we can start looking forward again. We will do that together with Dylan."
Groenewegen said the crash would "forever be a black page in my career."
"During the sprint I deviated from my line. I'm sorry, because I want to be a fair sprinter," he says.
"The consequences were very unfortunate and serious. I'm very aware of that and I hope this has been a wise lesson for every sprinter. I follow the news of Fabio's recovery closely. I can only hope that one day he'll return completely."
Reuters
