Pelvic fracture causes Maxim van Gils to lose 'months of racing' after crash with Jan Christen at Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior

Jan Christen has, since turning pro, been at the forefront of several controversies; but perhaps this Monday the UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider has found himself in the center of the biggest yet. After having caused Maxim van Gils' crash at the end of the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, he has been diagnosed with a fracture in the pelvis that will require months of recovery.

The Swiss rider has found himself in a myriad of issues over the past years, both internal and with other riders. He has gained a negative reputation on social media after several instances of irregular tactics that pointed towards the lack of willingness to work at UAE Team Emirates - XRG - with the 2025 Tour de Suisse perhaps the most notable example, with a source telling CyclingUpToDate that he refused to work on the opening day for eventual GC winner João Almeida who had not been part of a breakaway that had gained minutes on the peloton.

Earlier this year, he has done extensive drafting from the team car at the AlUla Tour which saw many call for his disqualification - he was penalized 20 seconds for that infraction. In the final stage of the race, he won and conquered the overall classification. Only weeks have passed and the Swiss rider has returned to the spotlight, for the worst of reasons.

As Tom Pidcock launched his sprint to second place at the Spanish Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, Christen deviated meaningfully to the left side of the road with the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rider who then had no space and crashed into the barriers. He was not able to go through the finish line only meters ahead, and the worst outcome has been confirmed. Christen was disqualified as a result.

The team has released a statement on his health status: "After today's crash, medical examinations confirmed that Maxim van Gils has sustained a pelvic fracture. Maxim will miss the upcoming months of racing. The whole team stands behind you, Maxim - every step of the way".