Cyclisme : Injuries Surge as Over 40 Cyclists Miss Action in 2026

Over 40 riders are sidelined due to injuries following a brutal start to the 2026 cycling season. Crashes during races and training have left teams grappling with a significant injury list. Notable casualties include Stefan Küng and Ben Swift, both suffering major fractures from the crash-ridden Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Tim Wellens joins the injured ranks after breaking a bone in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. Damien Touzé raises safety concerns after a life-threatening incident at the Tour of Oman, highlighting the increasing danger in the sport. Teams like Bahrain Victorious report Vlad Van Mechelen with a fractured collarbone, while Cofidis sees Oliver Knight with a fractured hand and Damien Touzé with a ruptured spleen and fractured femur. The injuries span across the WorldTour, Women's WorldTour, and ProTeam levels, underscoring the urgent need for improved rider safety amid rising crash rates.