Traditional cycling race in Germany overshadowed by crashes

The traditional cycling event Cyclassics in Hamburg was overshadowed by crashes both in the professional and the amateur races on Sunday.

Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier had to abandon the professional race after being involved in a serious crash with around 15 other riders some 76 kilometres from the finish line.

Australian Caleb Ewan also had to abandon the event due to injury after a crash some 27km from the end.

The race was won by Dutch cyclist Olav Kooij.

The top event had its start delayed and the course was also shortened by 21km due to the crashes in the amateur race.

According to a spokesperson for the event, at least six cyclists were injured in two crashes. All of them were conscious. In addition to ambulances, rescues helicopters were also deployed.

German cyclist Simon Geschke criticized the course at the Cyclassics.

"In my opinion, the course is no longer made for modern cycling with this very narrow descent before the Waseberg (climb)," the 38-year-old, who is retiring after this season, told dpa. "I would change the course."

The Cyclassics is a traditional annual cycling event that takes place since 1996 in Hamburg and has different categories of racing.

The professional race is part of the UCI World Tour, the premier men's elite road cycling tour.