Tour de France yellow jersey holder Torstein Traeen abandons race with broken ribs, concussion

When joy and sorrow are only a hairpin turn apart: Torstein Traeen Source: JEFF PACHOUD/AFP

Torstein Traeen created a historic moment when he surprisingly secured the Yellow Jersey on Tuesday. Two days later, the Norwegian crashed on the descent from the Tourmalet and can no longer continue the Tour de France. A drama.

After his crash in the Yellow Jersey, the magically begun adventure of Norwegian Torstein Traeen (Uno-X) at the Tour de France ends dramatically. The 30-year-old has to abandon the 113th edition of the French race due to the consequences of his accident. Traeen was diagnosed with several broken ribs and a concussion, according to a statement from his team.

"This is really not the end we wished for this yellow adventure," said team manager Thor Hushovd. Traeen gave the team a "historic moment." "We will always be proud of that. However, after further examinations, it was clear that he could not continue."

Extreme summer heat and persistent drought are causing devastating wildfires in southern France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Thousands of people are being evacuated, and the Tour de France is affected: spectators are banned along the route.

The professional, who had successfully overcome testicular cancer in the past, surprisingly took the Yellow Jersey of the overall leader from superstar Tadej Pogačar on the fourth stage. He wore it for two days.

Traeen's Fatal Careless Mistake

But then, early on the difficult mountain stage in the Pyrenees, Traeen could no longer follow Pogačar. He crashed on the descent from the Col du Tourmalet when he carelessly rode into his teammate's rear wheel in a corner and had to receive treatment. He was initially able to continue but arrived at the finish half an hour after stage winner Pogačar.

After the heroic ride: Tadej Pogačar won after an impressive solo Source: Dario Belingheri/GETTY via AP

Pogačar mentioned Traeen in the winner interviews. "I heard that Torstein crashed. I hope he is okay. I would have preferred him to keep the jersey," he said.

His sporting rivals could probably have used some consolation as well. Pogačar practically demoralized his direct competitors and is already the clear leader of the 113th Tour de France – and that after just the sixth stage.

The world champion won the mountain finish after the first high mountain stage, including a confident crossing of the iconic Col du Tourmalet, after 186.2 kilometers between Pau and Gavarnie-Gédre with a 2:38 minute lead over his perennial rival Jonas Vingegaard. Teammate Isaac del Toro finished third.