Mireia Benito (AG Insurance-Soudal-Quick Step) became the first rider to be forced to retire after crashing just 27km into the first stage of the Tour de France Femme. The 26-year-old Spaniard had just taken a gel and put his right hand back on the handlebar. He then hit a bump in the road as he turned slightly to the right and apparently veered off the road and fell head first into a ditch on the side of the road

.

Initially, Benito was unresponsive and was treated at the scene before being examined at the hospital. The team confirmed in a medical update that Benito had suffered a concussion but no other serious injuries.

Speaking to Cycling News at the finish in Clermont-Ferrand, team manager Natasha den Oden said that Benito did not remember the crash, but that hospital tests showed no brain damage other than concussion.

Den Ouden added that the team will follow the UCI concussion protocol closely and give Benito time to fully recover.

Benito himself posted on his Instagram story: "Thanks for the messages guys. I don't know what happened but nothing is broken. I will come back stronger."

"Mireia was taken to the hospital after the accident. Scans and a full examination revealed a concussion, but no other serious injuries. She is now under the care of the team and will return home soon for further recovery," said team doctor Sophie van Bakel. 'We wish Mireia well and will miss her at the races and on the team bus.'

Team leader Ashley Moolman-Pasio was disappointed to lose Benito, who is aiming for the overall Tour de France women's podium.

"It's a shame to lose Mireia because she's a strong teammate," Moolman-Pasio said. 'But we are still very focused and strong as a team. But we're still very focused and strong as a team. I had a good run with the guys today and they dropped me perfectly at the base of the climb. I felt good on the climb and followed Demi and Marlen. I got caught off guard by Lotte but I am happy with my legs. There are still hard days ahead.