Tour de France star Maurits Lammertink has undergone brain surgery following an accident in the Netherlands on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old was hit by a scooter in Hengelo and was operated on overnight for his injuries.
His wife has confirmed the horrific incident to TC Tubantia as her husband continues to recover in hospital.
An ambulance was quick to arrive following the collision and performed first aid on the Dutchman, who was then taken to hospital with brain damage.
Lammertink was due to compete in next week’s Tour de France.
He currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Intermarche–Wanty–Gobert Materiaux.
Lammertink was first in the startlist for the Tour de France in 2017 and 12 months later competed in the Giro d'Italia.
His career highlight came when he won the overall classification of the Tour de Luxembourg ahead of Philippe Gilbert and Alex Kirsch bin 2016.
British sprinter Mark Cavendish will make his first return to the Tour de France since 2018 after he was named in Deceuninck-Quick-Step’s eight-man squad for the race
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance over the past few months and will now get a chance to add to his 30 stage wins - a figure only bettered by the legendary Eddy Merckx.
“I am delighted to be going back to the Tour de France with Deceuninck-Quick-Step,” Cavendish said.
“Obviously, the circumstances with Sam could be better – he had a special Tour last year and I am sad for him not being able to defend his green jersey.
"But at the same time, I am excited to be going back to a race that I have such an affinity with and where I have so much history.
"It is the biggest bike race in the world, and I am going to do all I can to grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Slovenian Tadej Pogacar is favourite to win the Tour with Brit Geraint Thomas expected to provide stern competition.
