The fairytale of Torstein Træen unfortunately shattered on the scorching asphalt of the descent from Col du Tourmalet today. The Norwegian, who had started the stage wearing the yellow jersey after two historic days for Uno-X Mobility, crashed and will not take the start tomorrow for the seventh stage, which will see the leader's symbol back on the shoulders of Tadej Pogacar.
After the accident, Torstein passed the concussion assessment test performed by race doctors at the roadside and managed to continue to the finish line at Gavarnie-Gèdre. However, following further examinations by the Uno-X Mobility medical staff, analysis of data collected by the helmet sensor, and X-rays taken in the race ambulance, he was diagnosed with a concussion and multiple rib fractures.
In the coming days he will follow the team's concussion protocol and will not continue the race. "It's certainly not the ending we would have wanted for this yellow jersey adventure," says the general manager of the Norwegian team Thor Hushovd. "It's a shame that he has to abandon the race this way, but now the most important thing is that Torstein receives the care and rest he needs."
The 30-year-old from Hønefoss, who in the past has overcome far more frightening setbacks (he defeated a testicular cancer discovered thanks to anomalous values that emerged from an anti-doping test, ed.), is not losing his smile and through his teammates remains focused on another important objective: finding a girlfriend. The post shared with Anders Halland Johannessen is clear and amusing: "Update on the search for a girl for Torstein. It's very important that you are not funny at all. Don't make him laugh. Because now he has four fractured ribs and a concussion. Among the candidates, whoever has a car and can pick him up at the airport in the coming days will have an advantage. It has been a pleasure to be your roommate and the days we spent in yellow are days I will never forget. Get well soon, champion!"
We join in wishing Torstein a speedy recovery and send him our best wishes in his search for his soulmate.
View this post on Instagram