Team DSM’s Tiesj Benoot was forced to abandon the Tour de France during this afternoon’s stage 11. Injuries sustained during the crashes on stage one and three proved too much for the Belgian today, as he ended his race during the epic double Mont Ventoux stage. Benoot will take a period of rest and treatment at home before resetting for his next goals.
Benoot said: “I am still suffering from the crashes earlier in the race and I could really feel it on the bike today after the hard stage yesterday. I am super disappointed to end my tour like this, but now it’s time to take some rest to recover, and get some treatment at home. I wish the guys here the best with the rest of the Tour.”
Team DSM physician Camiel Alderschof said: “Tiesj has been suffering since his crashes early last week. We hoped things would improve as the race went on with time and treatment, but today the pain proved too much for Tiesj and he was unable to continue. With some rest and more focused treatment at home, we expect him to make a good recovery.”
