Despitely injured in a crash, sportsperson Paul Lapeira determines to persevere in the Tour de Pologne bicycle race
The Tour de Pologne continues to be a thrilling race, with several sprinter teams participating, making it easier for Paul Lapeira to navigate through the competition. However, the event has been marred by a serious crash during stage 3 that affected several riders, most notably Filippo Baroncini of UAE Team Emirates XRG.
Baroncini, who was one of the worst affected by the crash, sustained multiple facial injuries, including a fractured cervical vertebra and facial and clavicular fractures. He is currently in the hospital, pending a possible operation after specialists checked up on him. In a precautionary measure, Baroncini has been placed in an induced coma.
The medical team is closely supervising him as he rests in the induced coma to facilitate healing. His condition is stable, with no neurological impairment reported so far. After initial treatment in a hospital in Wroclaw, Poland, Baroncini was flown back to Italy, where he is set to undergo surgery on his facial injuries at Milan’s Niguarda hospital.
Baroncini's teammates and staff have expressed strong support, with team leader Brandon McNulty dedicating his Tour de Pologne victory to Baroncini’s recovery. UAE staff also thanked Team Ineos Grenadiers doctor Robert Kempers for his roadside assistance to Baroncini.
Meanwhile, Paul Lapeira, the current Tour de Pologne leader, started stage 4 with bandages on his left arm and leg, and with several tapes visible under his yellow jersey. Lapeira was caught up in a late crash during stage 4, but managed to complete the course despite looking very beaten up. He is reported to have possible bruising of the ribs or a fracture, which is causing him difficulty breathing.
Despite his injuries, Lapeira is determined to hold on to the yellow jersey as possible, as it is his first-ever lead in a stage race. The stage from Ribnik to Cieszyn is predicted to end in a bunch sprint, making it a crucial day for Lapeira's overall standings. However, the stage also includes some tough climbs mid-stage, which could make for some tough racing.
Sports director Luke Roberts expects the race to be controlled, set up for a bunch sprint, and hopes to help Lapeira maintain the yellow jersey and recover. Another rider who was caught up in the stage 3 crash was Rafał Majka, Polish national champion and UAE Team Emirates XRG rider, who sustained injuries to his wrist and leg but was able to continue racing.
Sam Bennett, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team sprinter, was a late crash victim on stage 1 and is feeling sore but determined to participate. Despite the challenges, the Tour de Pologne continues to captivate spectators and riders alike, with the final stage on Thursday looking set for a nailed-on bunch sprint.
[1] Tour de Pologne website: https://www.tourdepologne.pl/en/ [2] UAE Team Emirates XRG official statement: https://www.uaeteamemirates.com/news/filippo-baroncini-update [3] Brandon McNulty's Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandonmcnulty/status/1545925363896492033 [4] Cycling News: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/filippo-baroncini-remains-in-induced-coma-after-tour-de-pologne-crash/ [5] La Gazzetta dello Sport: https://www.gazzetta.it/ciclismo/2022/08/03/news/tour-de-pologne-baroncini-coma-indotto-dopo-incidente-161424/
Paul Lapeira did not talk to media before the start of stage 4, focusing on his recovery and the race ahead. The Tour de Pologne continues to be a challenging yet exciting event, with the final stages promising to deliver thrilling finishes. As the race progresses, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of all riders, especially Filippo Baroncini, who continues to receive support from his team and the cycling community.
Sports and road cycling were at the forefront of everyone's minds during the Tour de Pologne, with Paul Lapeira participating in the competition despite his injuries from a late crash in stage 4. Meanwhile, Filippo Baroncini, a UAE Team Emirates XRG rider, was sustaining severe injuries after a crash in stage 3, which required him to be placed in an induced coma.
