Dylan Groenewegen 'sorry' for 'terrible' crash with Fabio Jakobsen at Tour of Poland

Team Jumbo-Visma rider Groenewegen was disqualified from the first stage of the Tour of Poland and condemned for his “dangerous behaviour” by the UCI as he battled for the win.

Jakobsen (Deceuninck–Quick-Step) was placed in a medically-induced coma and has undergone surgery in hospital.

“I find it terrible what happened yesterday,” said Groenewegen, who could face punishment as the incident has been referred to the Disciplinary Commission.

“I can’t find the words to describe how sorry I am for Fabio and the others who crashed or were involved. What matters most now is Fabio’s health. I think about him all the time.”

Several other riders also crashed near the finish as they attempted to avoid the carnage ahead of them, with two taken to hospital, according to Eurosport Poland.

Team Jumbo-Visma managing director Richard Plugge revealed in a statement that Groenewegen has undergone surgery.

“Merijn Zeeman [team sporting director] and I visited Dylan briefly this afternoon in the hospital, where he had surgery on a broken collarbone. We let him tell his story briefly," said Plugge.

“Dylan feels terrible about what happened. He was deeply affected by it. Also for him the recovery of Fabio and the others who were injured in this terrible crash is all that counts now.

"Soon we will discuss the incident in detail with him. Our thoughts are with the victims and we hope with all our heart for a good recovery.”

In a statement released on Friday Jumbo-Visma listed a series of individual statements, of which one confirmed Groenewegen would be suspended saying "We have decided that Dylan will not start in a race until the judgment of the disciplinary committee to which the UCI has handed over the incident."

Below are eight statements in full.

1. We are shocked by the consequences of the crash. We hope for the best for Fabio Jakobsen. Our thoughts are with Fabio and we hope with all our heart he will recover. We also hope and wish that the other people involved will recover soon. We wish them all the best.

2. The last two days we took the time to discuss this situation internally and Team Jumbo-Visma found it important to first discuss it with Dylan as well.

3. Dylan is devastated about what has happened and the, unintentional, severe consequences for others involved in the crash. He feels very sorry.

4. Dylan acknowledges that he made an incorrect move by deviating from his line and that he has been correctly disqualified.

5. Team Jumbo-Visma stands for fair sportsmanship, within the rules. With his move Dylan broke a sports rule and that’s unacceptable.

6. We have decided that Dylan will not start in a race until the judgment of the disciplinary committee to which the UCI has handed over the incident.

7. We will support Dylan and his family as a team to come through this (mentally) tough times for them. Some of the ways they are approached are reprehensible.

8. For now, the health and recovery of Fabio prevails. Our thoughts go out to Fabio Jakobsen and the other people involved in the terrible crash in the Tour of Poland.