Title defense and Tour start in doubt
Omega Pharma-Lotto’s French time trial champion Jean-Christophe Peraud has been taken to the hospital in Lyon following his crash during Monday’s road stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. Peraud continued in the race through Wednesday’s time trial, but after finishing the stage 41st he packed his bags and headed home.
He was hospitalized on Thursday night as a result of high fever, according to L’Equipe. The Frenchman will be forced to remain in the hospital for several days while he recovers, which puts his title defense for the French time trial title is in doubt. If the situation persists, his Tour de France participation could also be put in jeopardy.