Torstein Træen leaves Tour de France in wheelchair after suffering four broken ribs and concussion

Torstein Traeen’s yellow jersey dream has come to a sudden end. The Norwegian had a solid lead in the Tour de France general classification and entered the Pyrenees with a lead of several minutes, but on the Col du Tourmalet it became clear that he would lose his yellow jersey. He then crashed heavily on the descent and was later diagnosed with a concussion and four fractured ribs.

Traeen, who had also crashed in the final stretch of Stage 5 on Wednesday, had to drop back relatively early on the Tourmalet and reached the summit eight minutes behind Tadej Pogacar. At that point, it was already clear that he would lose his yellow jersey, although Uno-X did manage to keep Anders Halland Johannessen with the leader.

Johannessen then waited for him again, and fortunately, the two were still able to laugh about the incident. Traeen’s yellow jersey will in all likelihood be taken over by Pogacar, who was the first to reach the summit of the Tourmalet and then rode solo to the finish.

At the finish line, the extent of his injuries was assessed. According to the jury report, Traeen had broken a rib and injured his right shoulder and elbow. Uno-X later reported that he had broken four ribs and had also been diagnosed with a concussion.

Thymen Arensman was riding behind the Norwegian at the time of the crash. “I think Traeen was also pushing the limit, using his front brake too much and went over his handlebars. I hope he’s okay. That was a nasty crash. It was also a really tricky descent. We were heading into a hairpin turn at 90 kilometers per hour. If you suddenly slam on the front brake then, you can go over the handlebars.”

Later that evening, news broke that Traeen had to leave the Tour—in a wheelchair. “Torstein passed the roadside concussion test after the crash and was able to continue on to the finish in Gavarnie-Gèdre. However, after further examination by the medical staff of Uno-X Mobility, analysis of the data from his helmet sensor, and X-rays in the medical car, it was determined that he has a concussion and multiple rib fractures.”

“This is definitely not the ending we had hoped for in this yellow jersey adventure,” said General Manager Thor Hushovd. “Torstein has given the team a historic moment, and what he and the entire team have achieved over the past few days is something we will always be proud of. But after further examinations tonight, it was clear that he could not continue.”

“Wearing the yellow jersey in the Tour de France is incredibly important for every rider and every team. That Torstein did that—and claimed the jersey today on the Tourmalet—is something truly special. Of course, it’s disappointing to have to leave the race this way, but right now the most important thing is that Torstein gets the care and recovery he needs.”

Author: David Bavin-Hobbs - [email protected]