Geraint Thomas has started his recovery after what a team-mate described as a ‘really scary’ crash at the Tour de Suisse.
Wales’ Tour de France champ escaped relatively unscathed after hitting the road on stage four and being taken to hospital.
Thomas will return home to recuperate after being forced to abandon his last race before he begins the defence on his Yellow Jersey in Belgium on July 6.
And fellow Team INEOS rider Egan Bernal has admitted his fears after witnessing Thomas’ crash.
“It was really scary because I saw that there was a really bad crash, but after, on the radio, the sports director said that he was ‘good’ so I was a bit calmer,” said Colombia’s Bernal.
“But I was still a bit scared because the finish was dangerous.
“There were a lot of cars, and that can be improved. I was just thinking about the crash. An Astana guy crashed in front of him and he couldn’t do anything. I hope that he’s good.”
Thanks for all your messages!! Gutted to leave @tds but luckily I’m all ok. I hit my head and needed stitches above my eye, so the doctors stopped me getting back on my bike. It just means I’ll need some big training rides next week now🙈👍
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) June 19, 2019
Thomas’ suffered a cut above the right eye and lost some skin as he hit the tarmac, but passed the initial concussion tests before being taken to hospital.
He is set for a few days off the bike before completing his final preparations for the Tour de France start in Brussels.
“Clearly it’s frustrating and a small setback for my Tour de France preparations, but there’s still plenty of time before we start in Brussels in a few weeks’ time,” said Thomas.
“We will recalibrate and I’m sure my coach Tim (Kerrison) will have a plan in place to ensure I’m ready for July 6th.”
O and I lost another pair of glasses 🙈😫 #hardtimes #sendsupplies
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) June 19, 2019