Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Cycling News
Cycling News
Sport
Simone Giuliani

Luke Plapp out of Tour Down Under following stage 3 crash

CAMPBELLTOWN AUSTRALIA JANUARY 18 EDITORS NOTE Image depicts graphic content Luke Plapp of Australia and Team Jayco AlUla injury after being involved in a crash during the 24th Santos Tour Down Under 2024 Stage 3 a 1453km stage from Tea Tree Gully to Campbelltown UCIWT on January 18 2024 in Campbelltown Australia Photo by Tim de WaeleGetty Images.

Luke Plapp will not start stage 4 of the Tour Down Under after a crash on stage 3 left the Jayco-AlUla rider with a shredded national champions jersey and 'lots of skin lost'.

Plapp had got back on his bike and pedalled over the line in Campbelltown after coming down about 10km from the finish, with the 23-year-old at the bottom of a pile of around five riders. He lost 9:53 to stage winner Sam Welsford (Bora-Hansgrohe), spelling the end of any overall hopes, but the team left it open whether he would start the next stage, saying that he had many superficial wounds, a swollen elbow and ankle and that they would monitor him overnight, making an assessment before today's stage.

"After monitoring Plapp overnight, unfortunately, he will not start today's fourth stage of the Tour Down Under due to discomfort and ongoing pain from a large amount of wounds," said the team in a statement sent to media at the race.

The withdrawal of the in-form Plapp – fresh from an Australian time trial title victory and third national road race win in a row – means Jayco-AlUla has lost one of its key climbing options ahead of the crucial weekend of dual summit finishes. Fortunately for the team, it is well stocked with options, with last year's race runner-up Simon Yates likely to lead the charge, and they also have Chris Harper, who was also second to Plapp in both the time trial and road race at the Australian National Championships.

It, however, will be a cruel blow to Plapp, who had clearly joined his new team – switching from Ineos Grenadiers – in top shape and eager to take on the race, in particular, Willunga Hill, which was a climb where his impressive performance on the Iconic Tour Down Under climb and stage 2 win at the Santos Festival of Cycling in 2021 helped draw the spotlight onto the then aspiring WorldTour rider.

The Gorge Rd crash that took Plapp out of the race also involved a number of other riders. Groupama-FDJ's Rudy Molard was a DNF, suffering a concussion and several wounds but no fractures. Astana Qazaqstan had a trio of riders involved, with Christian Scaroni hurting his left wrist but no sign of a fracture, Samuele Battistella suffered a blow to his back, while Michele Gazzoli has road rash and hurt his knee.

Cameron Scott (Bahrain Victorious) was also involved in the crash and crossed the line more than 11 minutes down. His team also said on Friday that he would not start.

"Although he was able to finish the race, he will not be starting stage 4 as a precautionary measure," said Bahrain Victorious on social media. "We wish him a speedy recovery and to see him back racing soon."

Scott will be missed by the team given he is one of the key leadout riders for Phil Bauhaus and Friday's stage 4 presents the final opportunity for the sprinters at the race. Sam Welsford and his Bora Hansgrohe lead-out team have so far dominated the bunch charge, with the Australian rider having claimed both stage 1 and 3. However, there will be no shortage of rivals lining up to take their last chance on Friday, including Jayco-AlUla, who are looking to turn the tables with Caleb Ewan.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.