Chris Harper abandons Criterium du Dauphine as stage 3 injuries threaten Tour de France preparation

Stage 3 of the Criterium du Dauphiné was a day with a few crashes, with Primoz Roglic hitting the deck. Among others, perhaps the worst affected rider was Team Jayco AlUla's Chris Harper, who hit the deck and is not starting the race today due to the injuries he has sustained.

"Following his crash in yesterday's stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné, Chris Harper will not take part in today's time-trial. Harper sustained abrasions to his hands in the crash and it was decided by the medical team that he should not start today and focus on recovery," the Australian team shared on social media this morning. "He will now head home and get ready for his upcoming races this summer."

The crash happened with 28 kilometers to go. Harper was riding in the middle of the peloton when the riders headed towards a small road narrowing in a bridge. With the movement in the peloton, a few riders lost control. Harper fell and hit the wall. He was supported by several Team Jayco AlUla riders to return to the peloton and ultimately managed to finish in the back of the group in the summit finish at Les Estables.

It seemed as if the damage had been limited, as the Australian could go on to continue to fight for the overall classification. Harper was 12th in Paris-Nice and was also sixth at the Volta a Catalunya; the 29-year old has been enjoying extra leadership this season after having proven himself as a quality climber.

Last year, riding in support of Simon Yates at the Tour de France, Harper also managed to get himself into a 16th place in the overall classification. The duo is set to once again headline the team's GC ambitions at the Grand Boucle this July; in a team that will also feature Dylan Groenewegen and Michael Matthews.