Tour de France 2026: the medical bulletin

Stage 12 of the 2026 Tour de France will live in the memory for all the wrong reasons. Less than a kilometer from the finish in Chalon-sur-Saône, a high-speed crash decimated the peloton at the height of the sprint, taking down a staggering number of riders. The time results didn't reflect the severity of the incident—the 5k rule guaranteed everyone the same times as the front group—but the physical consequences are far from negligible. Since yesterday evening, the teams' medical reports have been pouring in nonstop, and the picture emerging is worrying.

Caja Rural-Seguros RGA — Fernando Gaviria: WITHDRAWN

The most devastating news comes from the Spanish team: Fernando Gaviria is withdrawing from the Tour de France . Tests conducted immediately after the finish confirmed a fractured left collarbone. The Colombian sprinter was cut off by another rider in the initial stages of the sprint, crashing violently to the ground. He was Caja Rural's great hope for a stage victory. He has now been forced to withdraw and will undergo surgery shortly. For fantasy cycling fans: eliminate him from your squad immediately.

Lotto-Intermarché — Jenno Berckmoes: RETIRED | Liam Slock: DOUBTFUL

The Belgian team has suffered a double blow. Jenno Berckmoes also suffered a broken collarbone and will undergo surgery in Belgium tomorrow. He will be out of the Tour. Liam Slock, however, fared better: abrasions to his elbows and right hip, but his condition appears compatible with continuing the race. The team expects him to be able to start as normal on Friday. As for fantasy cycling, Berckmoes is out, while Slock will be monitored in the coming hours.

Netcompany Ineos — Dorian Godon: MONITORED

Godon crashed unavoidably, hit by a rider who fell in front of him. The Frenchman suffered skin abrasions and muscle pain in his back. The good news is that both the race doctor and the team doctor have ruled out a concussion. He will be kept under close observation at least twice a day, following the UCI protocol. His start on stage 13 is not out of the question, but his back pain could affect his performance. For fantasy cycling fans: this is a situation to watch; avoid counting on it for the upcoming flat stages.

Picnic PostNL — Pavel Bittner: CONDITIONS OK

The team made a brief statement: Bittner was involved in a crash late in the race, jeopardizing any chance of a stage win. At this time, there appear to be no serious physical consequences. No further details were released regarding his condition ahead of stage 13. As for fantasy cycling, it needs to be reassessed, but there are no alarming signs at this time.

UNO-X Mobility — Søren Wærenskjold, Jonas Abrahamsen and Anthon Charmig: ALL MONITORED

The Norwegian team was among the hardest hit, with three riders down in the final kilometer. Wærenskjold, Abrahamsen, and Charmig all suffered multiple cuts and abrasions. Initial tests did not reveal the need for X-rays, but monitoring will continue throughout the evening, with specific assessments for possible concussions. The situation appears to be under control, but it's too early to be certain.