I take it you are talking about me. This doesn't change anything though. Chances of crashing or losing time by getting held up by a crash are a lot bigger if you ride further back. It's as simple as that and this goes for everyone, not just JVDB or Gesink. It however does not mean you can't crash when riding in the front. This was the only point i was making. There also doesn't seem to be any footage about the actual crash, so we can't really comment on that.
Anyway, JVDB won't be riding the Vuelta, the injuries are too severe. He won't be riding for 2 months according to the team doctor, eliminating all hope to ride the Vuelta.
Maybe he should reconsider riding only the TdF next time.
Soooo... anybody up for a topic TGBM vs Kevin De Weert?