South African Louis Meintjes withdrew from the Paris-Nice after crashing out of the 163.5km second stage that finished in Bellegarde yesterday.
Dimension Data’s head of performance, Rolf Aldag, said Meintjes crashed while negotiating a roundabout at the 73km mark.
“He managed to get back up and riding but lost too much time and was eventually out of the time limit,” Aldag said.
“He was assessed by our team doctor at the finish and will go to hospital for a further check-up.”
Dimension Data’s Louis Meintjes (pictured) withdrew from the Paris-Nice after crashing out of the 163.5km second stage yesterday. Photo: Stiehl Photography
Meintjes, who was looking for a strong performance before the tour started, said the crash came as a result of a mistake on his part.
“The racing was on and I went through a roundabout and I guess I misjudged it a bit,” he said.
“It’s pretty painful and I lost a bit of skin. It doesn’t feel like anything’s broken but we’ll have to go to the hospital for a check-up.”
Meanwhile multiple Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish, also of DiData, was forced to withdraw due to over-exertion.
“Mark Cavendish was also forced to stop on the back of a challenging two days,” Aldag said. “The race was just his third back [since his illness lay-off] after already tough outings at the Vuelta a San Juan and the UAE Tour.
“He continues to work his way back towards full fitness.”
Other DiData riders Bernie Eisel and Scott Davies managed to finish safely within a group about a minute behind the stage winner, Jumbo-Visma’s Dylan Groenewegen.
Lars Bak, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Julien Vermote also finished within the time limit.
View the stage results here.
