Racing during the UAE Tour, Briton Adam Yates (UAE Emirates) fell heavily during the third stage which separated the island of Al Marjan from the Jebel Jais pass, near Oman, by 176 km.
The defending champion and competition favorite fell off his bike 40 km from the finish, before getting back on and being forced to abandon just 10 km from the finish.
In addition to some superficial injuries, the UAE Emirates team rider was mainly the victim of a concussion after his head hit the ground violently during his fall.
A situation which raises questions since the Briton was therefore able to cover thirty kilometers before stopping, even though the protocol concerning this type of injury had been reinforced a few years ago.
Adam Yates' big fall on the UAE Tour!
The Briton abandoned 10km from the finish of the 3rd stage #LesRP pic.twitter.com/AtqpGSWZ3N
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) February 21, 2024
The stage was finally won by the Australian Ben O'Connor (Décathlon-AG2R La Mondiale), who managed to gain the upper hand over his competitors just a kilometer from the finish.
Adam Yates' teammate Jay Vine (UAE Emirates) finished the race in third place but remains first in the overall standings.
During the first stage this Monday, a big fall had already taken place and had forced two teammates from the Astana Qazaqstan team, Harold Tejada and Michele Gazzoli, to share a bike together to cross the finish line.
The Colombian was forced to ride at the front of Gazzoli's machine to finish the stage holding his bike with one hand.
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On Thursday, the fourth stage, which should be simpler, will distance the Dubai police station from the city's port with 173 km of racing.