UPDATE: "Superficial wounds and a mild concussion" for Chris Harper after frightening Tour of the Alps crash

With downhill crashes a massive talking point in the cycling world currently, there has sadly been another brutal reminder about the dangers of the descent on stage 4 of the Tour of the Alps.

Attacking and attempting to put time into race leader, Juan Pedro Lopez, Team Jayco AlUla's Chris Harper hit an unmarked curb on an unprotected bend, crashing hard and after sliding across the ground, the Australian careered head first into a street light on the pavement.

Moments later, with his countryman still laying on the ground, Ben O'Connor also went down at the very same spot on the road, although O'Connor was quickly able to get back up and carry on. Harper however, will not carry on. Although he was able to sit up and quickly received medical attention, it's a trip to the hospital for the Australian in order to get properly checked over.

UPDATE

Team Jayco AlUla have since provided a positive update to Harper's condition. "After a crash on stage 4 of the Tour of the Alps, Chris Harper was taken to hospital for further examinations. Thankfully, scans and x-rays have shown no fractures. Chris has sustained superficial wounds and a mild concussion. The Australian will now rest and recover, and follow the team's concussion protocol."

See the incident down below!