Cycling: Pascal Ackermann (Bora - hansgrohe) won the third stage of the Tour of Poland because winner Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) was relegated. But at the end of the day nobody talked about it anymore, because a bad fall by Bjorg Lambrecht pushed the sporting issues into the background. At the finish, the drivers and spectators learned that the only 22-year-old Belgian had died.
No joy after the second stage win
It was also successful on the third day of the Tour of Poland Pascal Ackermann (Bora – hansgrohe) to defend his yellow jersey. Thanks to the reset of Fabio Jacobsen (Deceuninck – Quick-Step), the German champion of the year 2018 was also able to celebrate his second victory of the day. The Dutch champion pushed the French just before his start Marc Sarreau (Groupama – FDJ) to the side.
The three escapees also had bad luck today. Around three kilometers before the finish came CharlesPlanet (Novo Nordisk) and Adrian Kurek (Poland national team) fell in a curve. As a soloist had the leftover Evgeny Shalunov (Gazprom – RusVelo) then no more chance. In general, the wet road on the third stage of the Tour of Poland was responsible for numerous falls.
Bjorg Lambrecht dies after a fatal fall
But all the sporty things faded into the background on this third day of the Tour of Poland. As the spectators found out at the award ceremony - which of course was not held - is Bjorg Lambrecht (Lotto – Soudal) died after his fall. The Belgian fell and even had to be revived. The 22-year-old Belgian was then taken to the nearest hospital. He died there during emergency surgery.
Pascal Ackerman:
“The result today is not important. I was completely devastated after the tragic news. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the entire Lotto – Soudal team.”