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Polish prosecutors start probe into Tour de Pologne pile-up

07.08.2020 12:48
Polish prosecutors have launched a probe into a crash during the Tour de Pologne which left Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen fighting for his life.
The moment of the crash during the Tour de Pologne on Wednesday.
The moment of the crash during the Tour de Pologne on Wednesday. Photo: PAP/Andrzej Grygiel

The District Prosecutor's Office in the southern Polish city of Katowice will be investigating whether someone inadvertently caused serious injuries to Jakobsen and to a race judge, state news agency PAP reported.

Anyone convicted of such a deed faces up to three years in jail, the news agency added.

Jakobsen suffered craniofacial injuries in the horrific finish-line pile-up on Wednesday evening.

He underwent a five-hour operation involving oral surgeons and ear, nose and throat specialists. Doctors said on Thursday he was in a “serious” but stable condition.

Jakobsen crashed into a barrier while battling for victory with countryman Dylan Groenewegen during the first stage of the Tour de Pologne, Poland’s largest cycling race. He was resuscitated at the scene in Katowice.

Groenewegen, meanwhile, was disqualified for causing the incident.

Last year's Tour de Pologne was marred by the death of Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht, who sustained serious injuries in an accident.

(pk)

Source: PAP