Geraint Thomas crash: Tour de France champion taken to hospital after Tour de Suisse accident

Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas has been taken to hospital after a crash forced him to abandon the Tour de Suisse.

Team Ineos confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that their rider, Thomas, had abandoned the Tour de Suisse after going down in a crash on the final 30km of the fourth stage of the race.

Ineos later clarified that while Thomas was alert and speaking to the team after the crash, he would be taken to hospital for further checks.

"Sadly GeraintThomas86 has been forced to abandon the £TourDeSuisse. He was alert and speaking to the team after the crash and will be taken to hospital for checks. Further updates to follow," read a tweet from Team Ineos.

According to cyclingnews.com, Tour de France champion Thomas suffered cuts to his back and above his right eye.

He is due to lead Ineos at this year's Tour, which takes place next month, after team-mate Chris Froome last week crashed while in France for the Criterium du Dauphine.

Froome underwent extensive surgery following his high-speed crash, which left him with multiple injuries, including a broken femur.

Additional reporting by Reuters and the Press Association.