Milan completes Renewi Tour stage after heavy crash and unusual late race interruption

Milan stayed down for some time following the incident and was clearly uncomfortable as he checked his right arm. He was eventually able to get back on his bike, with Lidl Trek teammate Simone Consonni dropping back to help him towards the finish.

It quickly became clear that Milan was in no position to rejoin the race. He continued at a reduced pace alongside Consonni while the gap to the peloton grew considerably.

The situation became even more complicated once the race reached the finishing circuit in Ardooie. Milan and Consonni had fallen so far behind that the peloton eventually approached them from behind.

Officials then asked the Lidl-Trek pair to stop temporarily at the side of the road to allow the main group to pass. Once the peloton had gone through, Milan and Consonni were permitted to continue and complete the remaining circuit.

Despite the crash and lengthy delay, Milan reached the finish within the time limit. Lidl-Trek has yet to provide a detailed medical update on his condition after the stage.

Amaury Capiot (Jayco AlUla) and Nico Denz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) were both unable to finish the race, abandoning upon the peloton’s next passage of the finish line. 

Meanwhile, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) sprinted to victory in Ardooie ahead of Joshua Giddings (Lotto-Intermarché) and Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility). Jonathan's brother Matteo Milan (Groupama-FDJ United) finished fourth.

It marks Philipsen’s third victory in Ardooie at the Renewi Tour, having won there in 2020 and 2023.

Jayco AlUla have released an update on Capiot, confirming "The Belgian has suffered a broken collarbone and fractured ribs." 

The Renewi Tour was Capiot's first race since he fractured his right collarbone and hip at the Ronde van Brugge in March. 

More to follow…