Vansummeren recovering from Flanders crash
On Sunday, while racing one of the biggest races of the year, the Tour of Flanders, Johan Vansummeren of Garmin-Sharp experienced a horrifying accident. Approximately 60kms into the race, the early break-away had just established itself when the peloton charged through a roundabout. Upon exiting the intersection the peloton was split by a median and a few fans were caught standing on the median. That’s when the incident occurred. About midway through the group, a screech of breaks could be heard following the sound of Vansummeren striking the elderly woman on the median. Both were taken to the hospital. Vansummeren was treated for facial lacerations, while the woman, it is reported, remains in intensive care.
It has been said that the frequency of crashes in this year’s Ronde was higher than in previous years. Vansummeren cites roads, rather than the race organization, stating that there are far too many medians. In races of such prestige as Flanders, the speeds are naturally high, making the dangerous “road furniture” more unsafe.
Vansummeren was distraught after the incident. He has expressed his condolences to the family and hopes to make contact with her in a day or two.
This incident certainly accentuates why spectators should be wary of their vantage points. Standing on a median that splits the peloton is clearly a dangerous position to stand. It does not bode well for spectator or rider safety.
Statement regarding Johan Vansummeren’s crash #RVV http://t.co/g3u4VOiUz2
— Team Garmin-Sharp (@Ride_Argyle) April 6, 2014
