Falls are now part of the daily life of runners, but the one that occurred exactly 59.5 kilometers from the finish in Liège-Bastogne-Liège was impressive and seems to have decapitated part of the suspense.
Approaching the Col du Rosier, on a descent, the peloton was traveling at nearly 70 km per hour.
Suddenly, several riders located in the first third of the peloton fell heavily.
Some even ended up in ditches on either side of the road.
In total, more than a hundred runners were involved in the incident.
Some just braked when others fell heavily to the ground.
While the race logically resumed its rhythm, Julian Alaphilippe did not manage to leave immediately and join the rest of the peloton.
He found himself in a ditch on the right after having visibly hit a tree.
Romain Bardet, very close to him, seems to be making big gestures to ask for help before helping the world champion to get back on his bike.
But the latter seems too injured to leave.
According to information from his companion Marion Rousse, consultant on the race for France Télévisions, Alaphilippe was transported to hospital in an ambulance, he was conscious, moved his limbs, had no major injuries but complained of severe pain back, ribs and shoulder blade.
His team, the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, has not yet given any information on his state of health.
Very big crash 60km from the finish!
Many riders fell in the middle of the peloton and in particular Romain Bardet!
😬
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His retirement, when he was the logical favorite in the race in the absence of Tadej Pogacar, is a blow for the double world champion not spared this season by falls.
In particular, he went ashore twice during the Strade Bianche and then during the Flèche Brabançonne.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège was the number one goal of his first part of the season.