Robert Gesink (Rabobank) seeks medical assistance after finishing stage five. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Robert Gesink crashed hard in the Tour's fifth stage.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Rabobank's Robert Gesink (R) crosses the finish line with teammate Grischa Niermann nearly ten minutes after the peloton's arrival.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Rabobank's Robert Gesink became the third rider to withdraw from the Tour de France, having fractured his left wrist in a crash on the descent of the Côte de Treilles during stage five. Despite his injury, Gesink completed the stage, accompanied by German teammate Grischa Niermann, finishing 9:35 behind the peloton.
Gesink was treated at the hospital in Perpignan and left for his home in the Netherlands on Thursday, according to the Rabobank team.
Gesink's 80-kilometre ride to the finish line in Perpignan earned the admiration of Rabobank assistant manager Frans Maassen, although he was concerned about the injured Dutchman. "I was fearful because he could hardly brake. Then it was almost impossible to move through the caravan back to the peloton. Gesink was determined, however, and Grischa accompanied him to the finish."
Teammate Joost Posthuma witnessed the crash and tried to help Gesink return to the peloton. "Grischa and I tried to bring Robert back, but soon after things were not well with him. He could not steer properly and when the doctor came, he could not grab the car."
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