The RideLondon Classique saw a dramatic start to the race on Stage 1, with multiple crashes leading to several riders abandoning the race. The highes

Key Highlights :

1. There have been several crashes in the first stage of the RideLondon Classique, which has led to the abandonment of 10 riders.

2. Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) has been the most high-profile rider to abandon the race, after crashing twice. She has fractured her left scaphoid bone and fractures of both the left and right mandible, which will require surgery.

3. Mari Hole Mohr (Team Coop-Hitec Products) also abandoned the race after crashing. Her team has confirmed that she is OK, but they are down to only four riders.

4. Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) has taken over leadership of the team as Balsamo has crashed out.

     Chloé Dygert (Canyon-SRAM) also went down in the crash but was up again quickly and well enough to play a prominent role in the final. Her team confirmed that she felt a bit sore but had no injuries. Despite her injuries, Sammie Stuart (DAS-Handsling) was able to finish the race, though she had lost a lot of skin.

     The biggest crash of the day happened with about 61 kilometres to go when several riders did not notice a traffic island in time. Sammie Stuart (DAS-Handsling) went down hard, losing a lot of skin, but she did finish and hopes to start again tomorrow.

     Charlotte Kool of Team DSM was able to take advantage of the reduced peloton to win the stage. Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) took over the reins for her team after Elisa Balsamo was forced to abandon the race.

     The RideLondon Classique has been a challenging race for riders, with several crashes and injuries forcing riders to abandon. Elisa Balsamo's multiple fractures are a reminder of the dangers of professional cycling, and her team and the other riders are wishing her a speedy recovery.

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