Vande Velde crashes out of Volta a Catalunya with hand injury
Vande Velde likely to need surgery on fractured hand
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American Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp) abandoned the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya on Wednesday after injuring his left hand in a crash involving a motorcycle.
“Christian crashed out of today’s stage of Catalunya, suffering an injury to his hand,” Garmin medical staff said via e-mail. “He is currently undergoing x-rays. We will update you as we have more information.”
Stage 3 of the Tour of Catalonia finished atop the 13km hors categorie climb at Vallter, Spain. Vande Velde’s teammate Peter Stetina finished sixth on the stage, six seconds behind winner Nairo Quintana (Movistar).
Update: Garmin staff confirmed late Wednesday that Vande Velde had suffered a fracture in his left hand and would likely undergo surgery: “Christian Vande Velde clipped a motorcycle today at the Volta Catalunya. He suffered a fracture to his 3rd metacarpal and will see a hand surgeon tomorrow, where he will most likely undergo surgery.”
Bauer suffers concussion at Dwars door Vlaanderen
Garmin’s Jack Bauer also crashed hard at Dwars door Vlaanderen in Belgium on Wednesday.
“Jack Bauer was released from the hospital following today’s crash, and is back at the hotel with the team. He has been examined by the team medical staff and has been determined to have sustained a concussion as a consequence of his head injury and loss of consciousness,” the team said via e-mail. “He is doing well, is in good spirits, and is being monitored by the team staff. As per international medical guidelines, he will be progressed through the team’s protocol with regard to his return to competition.”