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news
Richie Porte in hospital (picture via BMC Racing on Twitter).jpgRichie Porte recalls horror crash that ended his Tour de France challenge
Richie Porte of BMC Racing has been talking about the horrific crash yesterday that ended his participation in this year’s Tour de France, where he was seen as one of the main challengers for the overall title to his close friend and former Team Sky colleague, Chris Froome.
Porte broke his shoulder blade and pelvis when he was catapulted off his bike on the descent of the Mont du Chat into the path of Quick Step Floors rider Dan Martin, who also crashed but was able to complete the 181.5km stage from Nantua to Chambery, won by Cannondale-Drapac’s Rigoberto Uran.
> Tour de France Stage 9 to Uran on dramatic day as Thomas and Porte crash out
The pair had been riding in a select group including Froome – deprived of the services of Geraint Thomas, who had crashed on the earlier descent of the Col de la Biche – and Astana’s Fabio Aru, who moves to second overall.
The Australian rider was treated at the roadside for almost half an hour before been laid on a stretcher, his neck in a brace, and put in an ambulance for the journey to hospital, with people watching on TV taking to social media to express their concerns about him.
It later emerged that he had been conscious throughout, and while his injuries mean he will be out of action for at least a couple of months, they are perhaps not as severe as was first feared.
In a statement released through BMC Racing Porte, who remains in hospital in Chambery, said: "Obviously, I've felt much better than what I do right now. I'm in a fair bit of pain and it's a big disappointment to be honest.
“I think I was in great form and the team were really strong around me too, so it's disappointing but I think after seeing the crash I'm lucky that I have come away with the injuries I have."
Describing the moment he crashed, he recalled: "I remember I came into a corner and it wasn't like we were going too fast or anything like that, but I just remember I locked the back wheel up and that was it really.
“Next thing I was heading for the grass verge on the corner. I stayed conscious the whole time. I remember the whole thing but I must say thank you to the medical staff on the race and the hospital. They have been absolutely fantastic."
As for the timeframe for his return to racing, Porte said: "I don't think I'll be back on my bike for a good while now.
“I think the team is good with that. They just say to recover, there is no rush to come back. Hopefully, I'll pull the BMC Racing Team jersey on by the end of the year."
He concluded with some words of thanks for those who had shown their support online following his crash, saying: "I think that's the thing with social media. You see the good and the bad. It's overwhelmingly good.
“People are so supportive and really do care so I can't say thank you enough to all of those people. It means the world to me so thank you very much."
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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16 comments
It looked horrendous on TV, and I'm surprised he didn't injure his face at all, sliding across the road before being run over and slamming into the cliff face?
Tough as old boots. GWS.
Majka, after playing a part in taking G out, looks like he could be out himself:
https://twitter.com/majkaformal/status/884141347577487360
Did he crash on the rest day??
Watching the crash I think it's lucky he hit Dan Martin's bike. Not so luck for Dan but it probably reduced Ritchie's injuries. I cannot help think if he had gone straight into the wall it would have been substantially worse - and he would have if Dan hadn't been involved.
Stupid Tour thus far. Spolit by big names tunbling out. Dropping like flies due to silly course setting and lack of safety. Did they not learn from the Olympic road race nonsene? Malaysian betting syndicate anyone?
No such thing as a dangerous route, course or road if you are going at the correct speed. The pros are that because they can calculate/ feel the limit and prepared to push the limit more than the rest of us. They get paid hell of a lot because of this ability to judge and push the limit.
Occasionally the limit bites back and hard.
As happens to everyone of us no matter how careful we are or where we ride there's always that bit of unexpected gravel, a smudge of oil, and the occasional lapse of attention or restraint
Cycling is a dangerous activity even without cars on the road. A silly spill - a clash of wheels or a momentary locked brake at the wrong moment and you hit a lampost, a kerb etc. Off road there's rocks and all sorts of things to hit (trust me I know) even on the "sanitised" track we see regular nasty accidents and injuries.
As happens to everyone of us no matter how careful we are or where we ride there's always that bit of unexpected gravel, a smudge of oil, and the occasional lapse of attention or restraint Cycling is a dangerous activity even without cars on the road. A silly spill - a clash of wheels or a momentary locked brake at the wrong moment and you hit a lampost, a kerb etc. Off road there's rocks and all sorts of things to hit (trust me I know) even on the "sanitised" track we see regular nasty accidents and injuries.[/quote]
Except cycling isn't a dangerous activity... not really. It always frustrates me when the 'danger' of cycling is focused on and highlighted.
Crickey, kids can get on a bike and by the age of 6 be riding about the park no problem at all.
Cycling is a ridiculously safe pass time.
What makes it dangerous is when people choose to take it to its limit... for instance road racing or giving it stick off-road.
Then you might see irregular accidents and injuries; if they are more common than irregular for you, then you might want to recallibrate your approach to riding.
Seriously, this has been one of the best in years. You ride on the course they give you. No one except clowns like yourself are complaining. I think you need to take your "pizzagate" crap back home to Alabama.
'Twas a shocker indeed, I'm sure he'll bounce back soon.
After watching it, what a relief!
Everyone will be well rested for the Giro.
I wonder if anyone was able to rescue the bike from the ravine?
They did. If you watch long enough, you can see a mechanic(?) running in from the left of the picture carrying the bike, and taking it to the team car, parked down the road.
Get well soon, Richie! You were my pick to win the tour this year, but you will get them next year!
So basically poor positioning into the corner (actually really poor) and panic braked locking the wheel up, you aren't the first and won't be the last pro to do that, unfortunately you didn't get away with it.
Glad he seems in good spirits and not horrendously injured, heal quickly Richie.