Steff Cras fractured an elbow at the 2023 Criterium du Dauphiné and only weeks after abandoned the Tour de France after colliding with a fan. Unfortunately for the TotalEnergies rider his bad luck has not ended; he suffered very extensive injuries after falling at high-speed at Itzulia Basque Country today alongside the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, Remco Evenepoel and others.
"After further examination, Steff Cras suffers from a right pneumothorax, several associated rib fractures and two dorsal vertebral fractures, in addition to several hematomas, wounds and dermabrasions," TotalEnergies shared in a message. "Our rirder will remain hospitalized for a few days."
A brutal list of injuries for the Belgian climber who looked to race the Basque event in chase of a strong GC result, and is eyeing the Tour de France later in the summer. The latter is now at risk as he suffered a punctured lung, as well as fractured in the ribs and vertebrae. Cras one of the several riders who had to be stabilized in the location of the crash both off and on the ambulance. This is a very big hit for the French team and Cras' own stage-racing ambitions.
"Courage Steff, the whole Team is with you in this difficult moment and wishes you an excellent recovery. Thank you all for your messages of support," the team finished the statement with.
Des nouvelles de Steff : Après des examens plus poussés, @SteffCras souffre d’un pneumothorax à droite, de plusieurs fractures costales associées et de deux fractures vertébrales dorsales, en plus de plusieurs hématomes, plaies et dermabrasions. (1/2) #Itzulia2024
