After horrific scenes, Ayuso avoids fractures – but McNulty and Hoole also forced out

After two flat stages and a team time trial, it was finally time to climb in Paris-Nice. The stage from Bourges to Uchon has more than 2000 meters of climbing, and the final part in particular is littered with hills. However, the run-up to that finale was flat. A quiet first half, then? Not at all, because it was very windy. And several teams were very alert when the echelon alarm went off.

Yellow jersey wearer Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) was there, but Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) was also sharp and sneaked in. Other big names at the front were Daniel Felipe Martínez (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Oscar Onley, Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Iván Romeo (Movistar). Daan Hoole (Decathlon CMA CGM), who had only been seen at the front in recent days, was also well positioned.

The leading group rode about a minute and a half away from the peloton, where Kévin Vauquelin (INEOS Grenadiers) was the biggest victim.

The number two in the general classification was not in the group and had to chase, but saw his teammate Onley at the front. But not for long: with just over 100 kilometers to go, there was a big crash in the front group. Hoole was involved, but so was Onley.

Riders from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and Uno-X Mobility were also reported among the fallen, but the Dutch time trial champion was the worst affected. Not long after the crash was reported, it was announced that he was unable to continue and had to abandon the race. Onley was able to continue and, with the help of Josh Tarling and Sam Watson, even managed to rejoin the group. Well done!

About fifty kilometers later, it happened again. There was a crash in the leading group, and this time Iván Romeo, Brandon McNulty, and leader Ayuso were the biggest victims. The American remained on the side of the road for a long time, while Ayuso quickly got back on his bike. But soon the adrenaline wore off, and it became clear that the damage was too great: he collapsed on the ground in pain. He took off his helmet, and it was clear: he could not continue.

After the race, UAE Team Emirates - XRG provided an update on their fallen leader McNulty. “Unfortunately, Brandon suffered multiple abrasions and a knee injury today in Paris-Nice, which prevented him from continuing,” said Dr. Adrian Rotunno. “He will go home for a period of rest under the supervision of the team and medical staff.”

And Ayuso? It looked terrible when he went down. But Lidl-Trek has released a (surprisingly) reassuring update. “Fortunately, X-rays have shown that Ayuso has not suffered any fractures,” according to a statement on social media. “Further analysis by the team doctor at the hotel has also ruled out other serious injuries.”

This is a godsend for Lidl-Trek, who feared they would have to do without their brand-new leader for a long time. That now seems unlikely. Nevertheless, they will take it easy with the young Spaniard. “Juan will remain under the supervision of the medical staff, and further updates will only be given when necessary.”