Kris Boeckmans in induced coma after Vuelta a Espana crash

Lotto-Soudal cyclist Kris Boeckmans has been placed in an induced coma after suffering concussion and facial fractures in a crash during stage eight of the Vuelta a Espana.

The Belgian was one of four riders injured in an incident 50km from the end of Saturday's stage, which was won by Jasper Stuyven.

Boeckman's team wrote on Twitter: "Kris Boeckmans has a severe facial trauma with several fractures and will probably need surgery. [Boeckmans] has a concussion, three broken ribs and had a bleed in his lung. He is now kept in an induced coma for a few days."

BMC Racing's Tejay van Garderen, Irishman Dan Martin and Cofidis sprinter Nacer Bouhanni were all forced to abandon the race as a result of the crash.