Updated at 10.00pm
POLISH CYCLIST RAFAL Majka will continue at Tirreno-Adriatico despite a major crash with a pedestrian during the opening stage on Wednesday.
Majka — who is team-mates with Irish sprinter Sam Bennett — came into contact with the spectator 3.5 kilometres into the 21.5km time trial on day one in Italy, the Bora-Hansgrohe team unable to avoid the collision at a pedestrian crossing.
Both Majka and Oscar Gatto crashed in the incident but have not needed to abandon the race heading into stage two on Thursday.
“We had an unlucky day, marred by a bad crash,” said team doctor Jan-Niklas Droste. “Oscar Gatto has quite a lot of bruises while Rafal Majka went down hard.
“He [Majka] has hematomas and abrasions on his head and we will have to run additional tests and diagnostics in order to evaluate whether the impact caused a concussion or not.”
Team sports director Enrico Poitschke added: “Unfortunately, we had a very bad day. Just 3.5km into the stage, a spectator crashed into the team, taking down two riders and splitting up the squad.
Bora riders Oscar Gatto and Rafal Majka collided with the pedestrian, who was crossing the course at the time, just 3km into the team's effort. Gatto and Majka managed to finish the stage. #TirrenoAdriatico #BORAhansgrohe #cyclinglifestyle pic.twitter.com/zfvn2Prij0
— Cycling Lifestyle (@CyclingLifesty1) March 13, 2019
“From then on our guys weren’t in the best mood but still gave a fight.
“The good news is that Rafal Majka is set to continue the race. He doesn’t look good after the crash but he will be there.
“Our chances at the GC are probably gone now but we will try to fight for, possibly, a stage win that will keep our spirits high. Still, it was a very bad day for us.”
The pedestrian landed heavily and was taken to hospital for treatment, however is reportedly not in a life-threatening condition.
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That’s some half backline UCC have, intercounty standard! Maybe a bit light in the forwards with conway being the only standout name. But hopefully they will get a few more big names back from defeated clubs after this weekend.
Hope UCC win the cork championship, to highlight how crazy it is that they can compete.
@Gareth Ward: not a bad sub tipp senior mark kehoe
@Gareth Ward: “but hopefully they will get a few big names back”. Is that because they were playing with their clubs and not available tonight? Can you see how stupid your comment is when you look at it like that! UCC bring nothing to the Cork SHC. Amend the rules now so that students at the start of the season have to declare for their club or college. But can’t play with both. Let’s see how many Paddy Cadells /Paddy O’Loughlins they have then.
@Johnny B: Read my comment again and you’ll understand son. That is exactly what i mean. As i said i do hope they win it to highlight how crazy it is that they can take part.
I don’t particularly care what they add to the cork championship, which is why i want them to win!
@Gareth Ward: apologies. Twas late when I read your comment (and was after a few pints). Didn’t read it properly. Apologies again.
@Johnny B: Apparently they can get back montgomery from from waterford. And bill sheehan from dicksboro can play as well when he’s available. Assuming mark kehoe will start in the next game, they’ll have quiet a strong forward unit built up then!