The list of riders injured in Friday's sixth stage of the Tour de France continues to grow, and it will be a noticeably smaller peloton at the start on Saturday.
Hubert Dupont of AG2R was one of the seriously injured,suffering a fracture of the right distal radius and a fracture in the first lumbar vertebra, as well as a severely sprained left ankle. He will be off the bike for a minimum of 45 days, the team reported.
Maarten Wynants, who was in an early crash, sufferied two broken ribs plus a puncture lung. The Rabobank rider finished the stage, but was taken to hospital where he had immediate surgery. He must stay there at least five days.
Garmin-Sharp have lost two riders, with one questionable. Tom Danielson is out with multiple injuries including a separated left shoulder, sprained neck, chest contusions and multiple extensive deep abrasions.
Both Johan Van Summeren and Ryder Hesjedal finished the stage. Van Summeren suffered a sprained right shoulder and upper back as well as multiple abrasions and is rated as questionable for today. Hesjedal has a massive hematoma on his left hip and leg and has pulled out of the race.