Ganna and Kwiatkowski survive crashes in Gent-Wevelgem
Gent-Wevelgem is one of the most prestigious spring cycling classics on the professional road cycling calendar. It is a one-day race renowned for its cobbled roads and difficult terrain. Like any other cycling event, it is a high-risk sport. The distance covered, the surface, and the weather conditions all contribute to the dangers that riders face on the road. This year, the race did not disappoint as two Ineos Grenadiers riders, Filippo Ganna and Michal Kwiatkowski, made it to the finish line with minor injuries.
The crash
The crash happened at around 195 km mark of the race. The duo was among a group of riders who were chasing the leading pack. As they approached a tricky section of the road, Ganna hit a pothole and crashed, taking down Kwiatkowski with him. Ganna was seen holding his left hip in pain, while Kwiatkowski had some cuts and bruises.
The aftermath
Despite the crash, both riders were able to continue racing, and they went on to finish the race in 52nd and 80th positions, respectively. Ganna, who is known for his time-trial abilities, had planned to use the race as a training session for the upcoming Giro d’Italia, where he aims to defend his title. Kwiatkowski, on the other hand, had hoped to make a strong showing in the race, which he considers a personal favorite.
The reaction
After the race, the Ineos Grenadiers team was quick to offer their support to the riders. Coach Xabier Artetxe, who was with the riders during the race, praised their resilience in continuing despite the crash. In a tweet, he said, “good teamwork and cooperation on the road, always fighting until the last meters, well done gents.” Fellow rider Geraint Thomas also wished them a “speedy recovery.”
#GentWevelgem #IneosGrenadiers #FilippoGanna #MichalKwiatkowski #CyclingCrash #SpringClassic
Summary:
Filippo Ganna and Michal Kwiatkowski of Ineos Grenadiers escaped with minor injuries after crashing during the Gent-Wevelgem spring classic race. The duo crashed while chasing the leading pack, with Ganna hitting a pothole and taking Kwiatkowski down with him. Despite the crash, both riders were able to continue racing and finish the race. The Ineos Grenadiers team praised the riders’ resilience in continuing despite the incident. #SPORT
