Four-time champion Chris Froome has been ruled out of the Tour de France after breaking his leg in a crash at the Criterium du Dauphine on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during what Team Ineos described on Twitter as a "recon of stage four" at the race in France.
While not completely confirming his withdrawal from the Tour de France, Team Ineos director Dave Brailsford said it was "clear" Froome would not recover in time for the grand tour, which begins on July 6.
"It's clear he'll take no part in the Tour," Brailsford told French television while Froome was being treated at the scene in a parked ambulance.
"He is in a very, very serious condition," said Brailsford, adding that the racer was having difficulty speaking and would be helicoptered to hospital.
More to follow