Geraint Thomas has been taken to hospital for a check-up after crashing out of the Tour de Suisse.
The reigning Tour de France champ was forced to abandon the race after hitting the road around 25 miles from the finish of stage four.
Thomas received medical attention from Team INEOS at the side of the road but was unable to continue.
The Cardiff born rider was able to sit up after the crash following an intermediate sprint and was seen to move both of his shoulders.
Sadly @GeraintThomas86 has been forced to abandon the #TourDeSuisse. He was alert and speaking to the team after the crash and will be taken to hospital for checks. Further updates to follow
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) June 18, 2019
He suffered cuts to his back and right side and also had a cut above his right eye and will be hoping the injuries do not prove more serious.
Team INEOS’ Gabriel Rasch said: “There was a lot of road furniture about and a rider crashed in front of [Geraint].
“He got a little cut over his eyebrow which was bleeding. The doctor felt it was safest to take him to the hospital for further checks. We’ll have to wait until they check him properly and then we’ll know more.
“I think all riders are the same. They want to go back to the bike and race. But thankfully we have a doctor in the car and it’s his decision to make.”
Thomas is due to begin the defence of his Yellow Jersey in Brussels on July 6th.
He had gone into the stage lying eighth overall.
Thomas’ Tour worries comes just days after four-time champ and team-mate Chris Froome was ruled out of the race after a serious crash on the Criterium du Dauphine.
Froome is still in hospital recovering from his horrific crash which he admitted could have cost him his life.