In an absolutely jaw-dropping accident, featuring unfathomable levels of stupidity, the driver of a French television car has crashed into the leaders. In an attempt to avoid a tree that stuck out a foot into the road, a television car swerved sharply into the center of the road. The leaders of the race were right next to the car, and Juan Antonio Flecha was hit at a high speed. He went crashing into Johnny Hoogerland, who went flying into a fence.
Tour de France 2011 Live, Stage 9 Update: French TV Car Takes Out Johnny Hoogerland, Juan Antonio Flecha
Thankfully, neither Hoogerland or Flecha is seriously injured as both are up and racing, but Hoogerland is receiving treatment from the mobile doctor and appears to be in a good deal of pain. He should re-join the peloton shortly. Flecha has a chance to catch up to the leading three riders, but it appears that they have pulled away from him. One thing is certain, though: The driver of that car won’t be around to crash into anyone tomorrow. There’s no way he’ll be performing the same task on Stage 10.
Also, in addition to Alexander Vinokourov and Jurgen van den Broeck, David Zabriskie has been forced to withdraw from the race due to injuries sustained on a crash.
If you’re looking for live coverage and updates online, be sure to stay with our 2011 Tour de France StoryStream. Also be sure to check out the full route and schedule for this year’s race.
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