During Stage 2 of the 2017 Amgen Tour of California on Monday, Cannondale-Drapac rider Toms Skujins was in a great position to repeat his second-stage victory from this race in 2015. After dropping the initial break, he was joined by a select group of GC contenders that included Rafal Majka, George Bennett, Ian Boswell, and Lachlan Morton.

With less than 25km to go, the group was descending around a corner when Skujins' front wheel slid out, and he hit the ground hard. It was immediately clear that the impact had caused some serious damage. Skujins got up and attempted to get back on his bike but fell down a second time. He had difficulty standing, staggering back and forth across the road in his efforts to continue his race. He was nearly hit by the chasing group of cyclist on their descent.


Commentator and former pro cyclist Christian Vande Velde was the first to recognize he was in trouble, quickly stating on the broadcast, "No, he should not be getting back on the bike." Unfortunately, the race directors didn't react as quickly. Skujins managed to get back on his bike and continue with the stage. His condition did not improve. He swerved across the road and almost crashed a few more times. Speaking with Velo News, Cannondale-Drapac team manager Jonathan Vaughters said it wasn't until after Skujins had continued down the road that he was finally able to get ahold of the race directors to get him off the bike and pull him from the race.

The team reported that he suffered a concussion, a left collarbone fracture, and significant road rash. He continues to be monitored by the team doctors as he goes through their concussion protocol. No timeframe has been given for his return to racing or training. Thankfully, he appears to be in good spirits, posting this update to his Twitter account from the hospital...
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