Dylan Groenewegen suffers collarbone fracture in the Renewi Tour post-finishline crash

Dylan Groenewegen's autumn couldn't have started (and most likely also ended at the same time) worse. The Dutch champion of Jayco AlUla broke his collarbone in a crash at the end of the opening stage of the Renewi Tour.

"Unfortunately, hospital tests have confirmed that Dylan Groenewegen has broken his collarbone. It looks like he will have to undergo surgery in the coming days. Come back soon, Dylan," his Australian team wrote on social media after the crash in the first stage.

Further back behind stage winner Jonathan Milan, Tim Merlier and Dylan Groenewegen battle for the fourth place. The leader of Soudal Quick-Step had reached the finish line just a little bit earlier, but with a final throw to the line, Merlier lost control over his bicycle, swerved to the right and collided with Groenewegen whom he knocked down.

Both fell shortly after the finish and were immediately in visible pain. Fortunately, medical assistance arrived quickly, after which Groenewegen was taken to Maastricht, where the injury was confirmed.

Groenewegen was initially scheduled for the GP de Fourmies (08/09) and the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen (20/09) later this fall. With a broken collarbone, he will be sidelined for several weeks and likely miss those races. Merlier, who was relegated in the results because of his action, only suffered abrasions in his fall, which means he seems to be able to start again tomorrow.