TDF Femmes GC Contender Horrifically Crashes Out.

Only two days into the historic event and top contenders are already suffering from horrific crashes. Most notably, Marta Cavalli (FDJ - SUEZ - Futuroscope) was part of a crash in the main peloton on Stage 2. To state the obvious, going from a competitive speed to nothing and making contact with asphalt as the rider is ejected from their bike is always traumatic. Presently, Cavalli is presumed to have a head injury and is pending a CT scan while being observed by team doctors. Cavalli made huge waves earlier this year, taking first place at the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenges.

Marta Cavalli earlier this year after winning at the Amstel Gold.

Marta Cavalli, the winner of this year's Amstel Gold Race, La Fleche-Wallonne, and a potential winner of the overall title at the Tour de France Femmes, was taken to hospital after falling in one of three nasty crashes over the last 20 miles of racing during stage 2. The stage was marked by crosswinds and gusts of up to 25mph, which made the riders jumpy about the prospect of a break in the peloton. Cavalli was involved in a crash with about 15 miles to go, and another with just over 10 miles to go. She was able to get back on her bike, but she was clearly in pain and did not finish the stage.

“We don’t have much news from Marta, she is suffering from a head injury,” said team manager Stephen Delcourt on arrival in Provins. “We remain in contact with the doctor. She has been sent to the hospital to carry out a CT scan as a priority.”

Cavalli isn't the only rider who was involved in a crash today. There were several other riders who went down, including stage 1 winner Lotta Lepisto (Cervelo TestTeam) and defending champion Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit).

Cavalli was already on the ground when she was hit by Australian champion Nicole Frain who came flying through without braking. Cavalli, who was runner-up in this year’s Giro d’Italia, climbed back on her bike but failed to finish the stage with the team pulling her out and sending her to hospital.

A later statement by FDJ-Suez-Futuroscope on Twitter mentioned that Cavalli is in stable condition and under continuous medical supervision and that there are no additional injuries.