Jack Haig and Michael Gogl are first abandons of the 2022 Tour de France

HAINAUT, France (VN) — Jack Haig (Bahrain Victorious) and Michael Gogl (Alpecin-Deceuninck) are the first riders to abandon the 2022 Tour de France.

The Australian Haig started the Tour with big ambitions for a possible run at the top-5 or better, but went down in Wednesday’s cobblestone stage.

Gogl also crashed in the wild stage across the pavé in northern France.

“Jack had multiple abrasions and bruises over the body and required stitches for a cut above the elbow,” team officials said. “CT scans also revealed multiple non-displaced wrist fractures. Fortunately, Jack had no concussion or head injury and will travel home [Thursday].”

The Tour medical report stated that Haig suffered cuts to his left elbow as well as injuries to his back after going down in the big crash with about 30km to go.

Gogl broke his collarbone and pelvis/iliac bone, team officials confirmed, and said he will undergo surgery in the hospital of Herentals, Belgium.

Both riders were transported to a local hospital, officials said.

The medical report also cited injuries to Primož Roglič and Caleb Ewan, who both finished the stage.

Roglič, a pre-race favorite, suffered a dislocated shoulder, and could be questionable for the coming stages.

The medical report also cited “numerous other crashes on the sectors of cobbles without seriousness.”

The riders are the first to exit the 2022 Tour, leaving 174 racers to start Thursday’s sixth stage.