SerpApi.Org
Florian Lipowitz crashed hard during the time trial at the Tour de France. The German rider from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was in the midst of an excellent time trial, but lost control in a right-hand turn. He hit a curb hard and remained on the ground, clearly in pain.
Lipowitz was well on his way. Mattias Skjelmose had posted the best split time, but Lipowitz wasn't far behind. At the third checkpoint, he was only three seconds behind the Dane, but things went wrong on the final stretch. He entered a turn too fast and skidded out. He hit a curb hard. It was clear that it was all over.
The German remained seated, in pain. When Paul Seixas, who was fourth in the standings, passed him, he was still there. Lipowtiz stayed down for a while, before being helped off the course holding his arm. A suspected broken collarbone is the likely diagnosis. He was able to walk with assistance, pushing away the stretcher that was waiting for him.
Evenepoel's time trial victory 'bittersweet'
A mixed day for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Remco Evenpeol took over 30 seconds back from Tadej Pogacar at the line, but the team had to wave goodbye to Lipowitz. Evenepoel spoke about the loss of his teammate after the stage: "It's a bittersweet victory because Lipowitz crashed, I hope he's not too bad. I wish him all the best, I will really miss him for the last week. I don't think about TDF victory, Tadej is on his way to win a 5th and it's an honour to race against him."
How much Evenepoel will miss Lipowtiz in the tough mountain stages still to come remains to be seen. Lipowitz was in fitth place overall, so Lidl-Trek's Juan Ayuso moves up into the top 5 after the German rider pulled out.
More on this story as it comes in.
