The first road stage of the men's Tour Down Under on Wednesday also saw the first crashes and abandons, with Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling) and Max van der Meulen (Bahrain Victorious) both hitting the deck in a small but nasty accident.
Both were taken away in an ambulance after the crash with 40km to go. Initially, Van der Meulen looked to have come off worse, with the 22-year-old having his jersey cut off him at the road side with blood covering the right side of his face.
However, post-race checks confirmed that he had had considerable superficial injuries, but had luckily avoided anything more major.
"Following his crash earlier today, Max underwent precautionary checks, including a brain scan, which showed no bleeding. No fractures were found," his Bahrain Victorious team updated on social media.
"He sustained multiple abrasions and contusions but is otherwise well and expected to make a full recovery."
Mayrhofer was not as fortunate, though, coming away with a list of injuries that will derail the start of his season.
"Medical examinations confirmed fractures to his right collarbone, shoulder blade, and ribs. Fortunately, surgery is not required," his team shared.
"Marius will return to Europe in the coming days, where he will begin his rehabilitation program, starting with physiotherapy."
Tudor Pro Cycling are the only ProTeam to have made the trip over to the Tour Down Under, and former Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race winner Mayrhofer was expected to be one of their leaders during this Australian block.
However, the 25-year-old will now have to refocus and recover.
"Obviously not the start I wished for in 2026 but I keep my head up and look positive to the future," Mayrhofer posted to his Instagram story, taking a photo from his hospital bed. "It's January and the season is still long."
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