VIDEO: Benoot abandons after mass crash at Strade Bianche that involves Alaphilippe and Pogacar

Tiesj Benoot has had to abandon Strade Bianche after a mass crash with just under 100 kilometers to go, that involved Julian Alaphilippe and Tadej Pogacar as well.

As the riders tackled the longest sector of the race, Lucignano d'Asso, the very strong crosswinds were felt in the exposed hills of Tuscany which has lead to a mass crash right at the head of the peloton. As Alaphilippe struggled to remain at the road, an Alpecin-Fenix rider swerved to the left side of the road unable to keep stability on the bike and taking out the World Champion who spectacularly flipped over the bike.

The likes of Tadej Pogacar, Michael Matthews and Tiesj Benoot were also identified in the crash, alongside several Alpecin riders. The latter has had to abandoned with no statement yet on the consequences of the fall.