Track cycling world champion Laura üßmilch was seriously injured in a fall on the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes. “She has broken two vertebrae and has to wear a neck brace for the time being. The fractures are stable and she hopes to be able to return to Germany soon,” wrote her Belgian team Plantur-Pura on social media on Monday evening.

The accident of the 25-year-old world champion with the track four happened about 20 kilometers before the finish in Provins. Sweet milk was immediately taken to a hospital. She had already fallen at the start on Sunday.

Sweet milk was not the only one to have an accident on Monday on the 136.5-kilometer route from Meaux to Provins east of Paris. Several riders fell three times within the last 30 kilometers. Among others, the top professionals Marta Cavalli from Italy and Cecilie Ludwig from Denmark were affected.

In addition, strong side winds played an important role, causing the main field to split into several parts and Lorena Wiebes, who won the opening event, lost the connection to the top and her yellow jersey.