Torstein Träen abandons Tour de France after Tourmalet crash while in yellow jersey

The crash

Torstein Träen's Tour de France came to an abrupt end on the descent of the Col du Tourmalet during stage 6. The 30-year-old Norwegian, riding in the yellow jersey, clipped the rear wheel of teammate Anders Johannessen and fell heavily. He was examined by a race doctor on the roadside and, despite passing an initial concussion protocol test, was later diagnosed with a concussion and multiple rib fractures. Träen managed to finish the stage, crossing the line in 51st place, over 30 minutes behind stage winner and new overall leader Tadej Pogacar.

A brief spell in yellow

Träen had seized the race lead on stage 4, joining a large breakaway group on the road to Foix. He started Thursday's Pyrenean stage with a cushion of almost eight minutes over defending champion Pogacar. The crash erased that advantage in a single descent, and the yellow jersey passed back to the Slovenian.

Reactions

Team Uno-X Mobility confirmed on Thursday evening that Träen would not take the start of stage 7. Team manager Thor Hushovd, the former world champion, said the ending was not what the squad had hoped for.

This is really not the end we wanted for this yellow adventure. Torstein has given the team a historic moment, and we will always be proud of what he and the entire team have achieved in recent days. It is of course disappointing to leave the race this way, but now the most important thing is that Torstein gets the necessary care and recovery.

Pogacar, who reclaimed the lead, offered his sympathy in post-stage interviews.

I heard that Torstein crashed. I hope he is okay. I would have preferred he kept the jersey.

What's next

The 113th Tour de France continues without its surprise early leader. Träen's withdrawal leaves Uno-X Mobility without their marquee rider for the remaining stages, while the focus shifts to his recovery from the concussion and rib injuries.