Late-race California crash proves costly for Jacques-Maynes, Barguil
A late crash at the Amgen Tour of California saw Ben Jacques-Maynes leave the race in an ambulance, while Giant's Warren Barguil was able to finish, barely
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
LODI, California (VN) — A late-race crash at the Amgen Tour of California saw Jamis rider Ben Jacques-Maynes leave the race in the ambulance with several serious injuries, while Giant-Alpecin climber Warren Barguil was able to finish, barely, pedaling with one leg.
The crash, which occurred just before a left-hand turn onto the first of two finishing circuits in the town of Lodi, looked to have been caused when riders brushed up against a traffic island to their right. More than a dozen riders were caught in the crash, but Jacques-Maynes and Barguil bore the worst of the brunt.
Jamis team manager Sebastian Alexandre spoke with VeloNews on his way to a local hospital, saying that while Jacques-Maynes’ injuries hadn’t been confirmed by medical staff, he appeared to have broken his shoulder or collarbone, and had lacerations on his face and nose, as well as several broken teeth.
The team later issued a statement, clarifying that he had only suffered a separated shoulder, as well as “minor cuts to his face and [he] lost a couple of teeth. X-rays were negative for any broken bones. He is being evaluated for a broken nose.” Alexandre added that at no time had Jacques-Maynes lost consciousness.
It was a sad end for Jacques-Maynes, the California native who was the only rider in the bunch to have competed in all 10 editions of the race, and who was honored by his team when he was presented with a specially painted Jamis Xenith SL frame before the race that celebrated that fact. This was to be his final Amgen Tour, as he is retiring at the end of the season.
Jacques-Maynes also exited the Amgen Tour with injuries in 2011, when he was involved in a pile-up that resulted in a broken collarbone.
Alexandre expressed his dismay over another trip to a hospital to check on a fallen rider — Jamis rider Ian Crane suffered a serious crash at the USA Pro Challenge in August — saying, “I’m so tired of these crashes. I realize it’s a part of the sport, but it’s very hard to see.”
Giant-Alpecin team director Aike Visbeek escorted Barguil from the finish line to the medical tent, and then to the team RV, and told VeloNews that several riders had crashed in front of Barguil, adding that the talented French climber’s knee went directly into another rider’s cassette when he landed.
After spending several minutes on the ground, Barguil was the last rider to cross the finish line.
“There are a couple of deep cuts just above his knee,”Visbeek said. “He finished the stage, but it looks pretty deep, so I think it will be 50/50 if he starts tomorrow.”
Also caught up in the crash were Tom Zirbel (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies) and Freddie Rodriguez (Jelly Belly), however neither rider was seriously hurt, and both are expected to start stage 3 in San Jose on Tuesday.
. @Benjm1 is one of the best people I’ve met through bike racing. Hurting for him tonight. His last comeback he won KOM at Tour of Utah…..
— Ian Crane (@iancrane) May 11, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Pavement still hurts! Should be okay. Awesome to see @RobinmCarpenter go on a tear in the break today!!
— Ty Magner (@Ty_Magner) May 11, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Somehow managed to avoid crashing in @AmgenTOC. Did get slowed down by the 2 bikes in my rear wheel and tyre on my calf. On to the next day
— Koen de Kort (@koendekort) May 11, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Best wishes to those involved in the #AmgenTOC10th stage two crash. We know a few riders hit the ground fairly hard. Heal up quick!
— Cannondale-Garmin (@Ride_Argyle) May 11, 2015