At least half a dozen riders were injured in a high-speed crash on the opening stage of the Tour de Pologne, including Dutch champion Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quickstep), Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma), Marc Sarreau (Groupama-FDJ) and Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates), Damien Touze (Cofidis) and Eduard Prades (Movistar).
Jackobsen was the worst affected and was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition, as was a course-side official who was impacted by the crash.
Jumbo-Visma issued a statement on the crash, writing: "Our thoughts go out to Fabio Jakobsen and other people involved in today’s terrible crash in the Tour of Poland. Crashes like these should not happen.
"We offer our sincere apologies and we will discuss internally what has happened before we may make any further statement."
Groenewegen and Jakobsen clashed elbow-to-elbow just ahead of the finish line with the Deceuninck-Quickstep rider crashing into the course barriers, which then separated and flew across the road.
The force of the impact caused Groenewegen to fall with Philipsen unable to avoid the fallen Jumbo-Visma rider and the barricade causing the other riders to fall.
Sarreau and Touze were conscious and taken to hospital for further examinations, while Philipsen's team reported he had suffered only contusions.
Groupama-FDJ later reported that Sarreau, awarded second place on the stage, had suffered damage to the ligaments in his shoulder and would not continue in the race.
Cyclingnews will update this article as information becomes available.
