AUSTRALIAN cyclist Luke Plapp was left with horrific bloody wounds after a bad crash at the Tour Down Under.
With 10 kilometers to go of stage three, the 23-year-old fell during a downhill section as the peloton raced towards the finish in Campbelltown.
Several other riders also hit the deck in the same incident, but it was Plapp's injuries that caught the eye.
The Aussie got back on his bike and made it to the finish despite the crash ripping off huge parts of his jersey as he crossed the line nearly 10 minutes after stage winner Sam Welsford.
His torn jersey showed off gruesome, bloody grazes stretching from his shoulder down to his hip.
Plapp's shorts were also partially ripped at the thigh.
After the stage, his Jayco-Alula team said: "Not the ideal day with a very unfortunate fast crash for Australian champion Plapp in the final 10km. He managed to finish the stage but with lots of skin loss.
"Cyclists are TOUGH."
Despite the nasty injuries, Plapp did not have to go to hospital, although his team will be keeping a close eye on him ahead of stage four.
Jayco-Alulu later issued a more extensive update about Plapp's condition.
They added: "Plapp has been seen by the onsite medical team at the finish line. Many superficial wounds, swollen elbow and ankle.
"He won't travel to hospital. We will monitor him overnight and make an assessment tomorrow before the stage."
Plapp holds both the Australian national time trial and road race titles.
He also won a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
