Slovenian rider Urska Zigart broke her jaw in a heavy crash at the start of the final kilometre of stage two of the Tour de Suisse Femmes in Locarno on Thursday.
Zigart lost control riding at high speed over a speedbump and crashed hard on to the ground, rolling and sliding a number of metres before coming to a halt on the tarmac.
Several other riders then crashed as they tried to avoid Zigart, 29, as she lay motionless in the road.
Zigart’s team, AG Insurance-Soudal, confirmed she had been taken to hospital.
“After undergoing several medical assessments, Urska has been diagnosed with a fractured jaw. Fortunately, no other injuries were detected during the examinations,” they added.
“The team’s medical staff are currently evaluating the next steps required to ensure Urska receives the best possible treatment and recovery process. At this stage, our primary focus is on her health and wellbeing.”
Zigart’s partner is fellow cyclist Tadej Pogacar – a four-time Tour de France winner – who was just about to start the day’s stage at the same location in the men’s Tour de Suisse.
According to Slovenian media, Zigart was conscious after her accident and was later able to speak to 27-year-old world champion Pogacar, who is leading the general classification after the opening two stages of the men’s race.
