Tour de France: 20 Riders Fall in Massive Crash

Tour de France was held up for nearly 2 minutes after a massive crash involving 20 riders.

Riders and their bicycles fill the road after a fall during the 159,5 km (99 miles) third stage of the 102nd Tour de France cycling race from Anvers to Huy, Belgium. (Photo: Reuters)

The third stage of the Tour de France was neutralised for about 10 minutes on Monday when yellow jersey holder Fabian Cancellara was involved in a massive crash that took down a couple of dozen riders.

FDJ rider William Bonnet of France was put in a neck brace after falling off his cycle when it seemingly touched a wheel, and others around him were also brought down in a flurry of flying bikes and bodies.

Riders and their bicycles fill the road after a fall during the 159,5 km (99 miles) third stage of the 102nd Tour de France cycling race from Anvers to Huy, Belgium. (Photo: Reuters)

At one point Team Sky riders accelerated before Cancellara made his way back to a bunch that was riding at the minimum pace required when a race is neutralised.

Organisers then decided to stop the race altogether and the peloton came to a halt 55-km from the finish before resuming the stage.

“Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the crash at a very high speed, the race was neutralised to allow the injured riders to get back in the peloton,” organisers said in a statement.

FDJ rider William Bonnet of France receives medical help as he sits on the ground after a fall. (Photo: Reuters)

New Zealand’s Gregory Henderson continues the race with his torn jersey after the crash. (Photo: AP)  

A doctor tends to William Bonnet of France after he crashed with several other riders. (Photo: AP)  

William Bonnet of France holds his head after crashing with several other riders