Bauer Watch - TdF Day 19

In some sad news, Jack Bauer has abandoned this year's Tour de France following a crash on the descent following the first ascent in today's stage in the Alps. Peter Flax, an editor for a cycling magazine posted these tweets just shortly after Jack's crash -

We came upon Jack Bauer right after his crash on the Col du Glandon. A bloody mess. Looks like he hit a barbed wire fence very hard.
— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 19, 2013

Paramedics were pulling Bauer off the fence. Thick blood was pouring out of his mouth. He was silent and cradled his head in his hands.
— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 19, 2013

Vaughters ran over as Jack was put on a stretcher. JV said "I know you feel really bad but you're going to be alright." Very moving.
— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 19, 2013

And you might want to look away from this one now because it's pretty graphic -

Photo of Bauer post crash. Kind of graphic. pic.twitter.com/OiuDXDH7DO
— Peter Flax (@Pflax1) July 19, 2013

More photos have emerged (courtesy of the Daily Mail) - you might want to look away too.

Anyway, I am pleased to let you know this morning that Jack has since been discharged from hospital although he has had quite a few stitches to his face. Oh well, he won't be making an appearance any time soon on New Zealand's Next Top Model and his good friend and former flatmate, Scotty Donaldson, might want to organize one of his fundraisers in case plastic surgery is required! But the good news is that Jack is fine even if he is a bit bruised.

Take care Jack! Shame that you had to abandon the tour with only 2 days left but I have a feeling you've got a few more Tour de France to come yet - might want to take those big descents a bit more carefully next time!

Anyway, back to the stage, Rui Costa took his 2nd stage win of this year's Tour de France after a superb climb and descent at the end. Chris Froome finished 9 minutes behind but in the same pack as Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana meaning the top 3 of the overall classification remains unchanged going into tomorrow's decisive stage to Annency.

In the meantime, will be cheering on Jack's other teammates and my usual team, Team Sky and Chris Froome as the Tour de France reaches its climax!