Sheffield Crashes, Lamperti in Big Move as Americans Go Deep in Flanders

American riders were at both ends of the action Sunday as Magnus Sheffield went down hard in the closing kilometers and Luke Lamperti lit up the early break in the Tour of Flanders.

Sheffield crashed on the descent off the Koppenberg under heavy crosswinds as one of several riders involved in a fall late in Sunday’s wild race.

The Ineos Grenadiers rider did not finish after a crash from a chase group that sent several riders to the ground. Officials later updated his condition.

“Following a crash during Ronde Van Vlaanderen, [Sheffield] was taken to hospital for assessment,” a team note read. “Medical evaluation confirmed no fractures, but a skin wound required further treatment, for which Magnus will remain in hospital overnight.”

Italian veteran Matteo Trentin fell into a ditch and was taken to the hospital, Belgian media reported.

“Matteo Trentin crashed on a descent 40km from the finish of today’s Ronde van Vlaanderen. Scans, unfortunately, have confirmed a fractured collarbone, and he is scheduled to undergo surgery later tonight at the hospital in Herentals,” a Tudor team note read.

Samuel Watson and Ward Vanhoof also crashed, while Jasper Stuyven was able to remount and salvage a sixth place after hitting the tarmac.

Sheffield’s late crash ended a promising Flanders as he started with the ambition of a top 10 to match his breakout sixth in 2024.

Earlier in the men’s race, Lamperti flew American colors in the day’s main breakaway, driving the move before the favorites reeled it in on the second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont. He finished off the day in 61st.

“It was great to be in the break,” Lamperti told FloBikes at the line.  “It’s not easy to stay with the best guys when they go, so you can be ahead, but that’s also hard. This is one of the hardest one-days there is.”

Alongside Sheffield and Lamperti, Artem Shmidt (Ineos Grenadiers) rode to 51st, while Colby Simmons and Riley Sheehan abandoned in a punishing edition.

Lily Williams led the way with 30th in the women’s race. Chloe Dygert, in her return from injury, was 39th, and double Olympic champion Kristen Faulkner DNF’d in her season debut.