February 23, 2006 — In Stage 4 of the Geelong Tour in Australia, Canada’s Lyne Bessette has crashed and her collarbone is suspected to be broken. The T-Mobile team member was racing beside Germany’s Judith Arndt (T-Mobile) when the crash occurred. Medical staff attended to Bessette who was immobilized in pain on the asphalt.

Stage Four of the Geelong Tour is known and feared due to the sharp 2K climb of Mt. Wallace, which occurs mid-way through the 115K race. Bessette appearently was in the lead pack and had completed the climb when the crash occurred. Australia’s Natalie Bates was also taken out in the crash — unfortunately her second crash in as many days, and her third in two weeks. Though other crashes did occur no other serious injuries have been reported.

Tour of Geelong Stage 4 Lara-Lara Road Race, 115K

1- Ina Teutenberg, T-Mobile, 2:59:44
2- Mellisa Holt, Bike New Zealand, st
3- Oenone Wood, Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung, st