Augustyn survives crash down mountain side

Barloworld rider, John Lee Augustyn, today endured a spectacular crash during the 16th stage of the Tour de France which left him stranded halfway down a mountain side.

Augustyn crossed the summit of the day’s second unclassified climb on his own after attacking his leading group half a kilometre from the summit. But moments later, after being rejoined by his group, he misjudged a right hand bend and, despite braking, his momentum threw him over the edge to leave him 50 metres below on the gravelly mountain side.

After dusting himself off and waiting for a new bike he eventually finished in 35th place at just over five minutes behind stage winner Cyril Dessel of the AG2R team.

Let’s hope Augustyn’s legs are feeling good for tomorrow’s stage up Alp d’Huez.

~ by Craig on July 22, 2008.