Steven Kruijswijk has suffered another setback after a crash in the Critérium du Dauphiné: a broken collarbone and a fractured pelvis will prevent the Dutch cyclist from being fit in time for his major goal of the year, the Tour de France.
Jumbo-Visma announced on Monday that Kruijswijk suffered a fractured pelvis and collarbone in the crash in France. Later in the evening, the resilient climber himself responded through his social media. "I can't describe how disappointed I am...," he began his statement.
"I knew I was in good shape for a great summer of racing," Kruijswijk referred to the Dauphiné and subsequently the Tour de France, where he was set to be a key support rider for Jonas Vingegaard. In the Dauphiné, Kruijswijk had already assumed that role, which he performed brilliantly in the first stage. However, in the second stage, things quickly went wrong for the rider from Nuenen, when he crashed hard.
Kruijswijk enjoyed the past weeks of preparation with Jumbo-Visma
"In the past weeks, I have once again realized how special our team is and how lucky I am to be a part of it," the Dutch cyclist expressed. "Working together to achieve good results, striving for goals, sacrificing a lot for the sport, all with the aim of writing sports history together!"
"For now, it's an incredible blow," he continues, referring to his injuries and their consequences. "I will try to recover as quickly as possible from the injuries I have and hope to see all of you soon."
Wilco Kelderman is expected to be designated as Kruijswijk's replacement for the Tour de France. Kelderman has been part of Jumbo-Visma's entire preparation for the French race. Currently, he is at altitude in Switzerland with Wout van Aert, where they will also start in the Tour of Switzerland this coming Sunday.
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