Groenewegen banned for nine months over Jakobsen crash
Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen has been suspended for nine months for causing a crash at the Tour of Poland that left Fabio Jakobsen in a coma, the UCI officially announced.
Groenewegen, 27, will “serve a period of suspension until 7 May 2021,” the UCI said in a statement. Jakobsen spent two days in a coma and required facial reconstruction surgery after he was thrown into and over barriers at the finish of the opening stage of the race in August.
Groenewegen cooperated with the investigation and accepted to serve a period of suspension until 7 May 2021,” the UCI said. He has not ridden since the accident in early August. He also emphasised that he had no intention of endangering people or inflicting physical injury.
Team Jumbo-Visma director Richard Plugge said, “It was a crash where the severity of the consequences was unfathomable. Now that the disciplinary case has been concluded, we can start looking forward again. We will do that together with Dylan. We are relieved that there is now perspective and clarity. We wish Fabio Jakobsen the same. The encouraging reports about his recovery do us good”.
Groenewegen said, “The crash in the first stage of the Tour of Poland will forever be a black page in my career. During the sprint I deviated from my line. I am sorry, because I want to be a fair sprinter. The consequences were very unfortunate and serious. I am very aware of that and I hope this has been a wise lesson for every sprinter. I follow the news of Fabio’s recovery very closely. I can only hope that one day he will return completely. Closing the disciplinary matter creates clarity. That gives me the opportunity to look ahead again. I am happy about that, even though May 7th is still far away. I am happy with the support I get from Team Jumbo-Visma, my family and friends. Together we will work towards that day both mentally and physically.”
Fabio Jakobsen was left fighting for his life and underwent a five-hour operation immediately after the accident after sustaining severe injuries to the face.
“I am very grateful that I am still alive,” Jakobsen said after his condition improved sufficiently for him to be moved back home to the Netherlands.
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