In a shocking turn of events, Jonas Vingegaard, the defending Tour de France champion, has been hospitalized following a severe crash during stage four of the Tour of the Basque Country on Thursday. The cyclist, who rides for Team Visma, sustained multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone, several broken ribs, a pulmonary contusion, and a collapsed lung.

Team Visma provided an update on Vingegaard's condition, stating that he is currently in stable condition and had a good night. However, he will remain in the hospital for further treatment and observation.

The severity of Vingegaard's injuries raises concerns about his ability to defend his Tour de France title, especially with the race starting earlier this year on June 29 due to the Paris Olympics. The cycling community anxiously awaits further updates on his recovery and his potential participation in the prestigious race.

The crash occurred approximately 40 kilometers from the stage's finish line as the riders approached a right turn during a descent. Among those involved in the incident were Primož Roglič, a fellow Grand Tour winner, and Remco Evenepoel.

Television footage captured the harrowing scene as Vingegaard was carried away on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. Evenepoel, the 2022 Vuelta a España winner, also suffered injuries in the crash, including a fractured collarbone and a fractured right shoulder blade, according to his team, Quick-Step Pro Cycling.

In a video message released by his team, Evenepoel expressed gratitude towards the medical staff who provided him with care and support. He assured fans that while his near-term plans may change, his long-term goals remain intact. Evenepoel is scheduled to undergo surgery for his collarbone in Belgium on Friday.

The crash also caused injuries to other riders. Team Emirates' Jay Vine sustained fractures in his cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral bodies, while EF Pro Cycling's Sean Quinn suffered a concussion and a fractured sternum.

The cycling community rallies behind these riders and wishes them a speedy recovery. Their determination and resilience will be crucial as they work towards returning to the road and pursuing their cycling dreams.

As updates on Vingegaard's condition and the recovery of the other injured cyclists emerge, fans and fellow riders eagerly anticipate their triumphant returns to the competitive world of professional cycling.