Eli Tomac crashes in Cleveland Triple Crown qualifier

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Eli Tomac, the top-ranked rider in the Triple Crown series, crashed hard during the first qualification session for the Cleveland race, requiring a red flag as the medical team attended to his apparent right shoulder injury.

Why it matters

Tomac's crash is a significant setback as the top 18 qualifiers advance directly to the afternoon program, making qualification a critical part of the Triple Crown format. Tomac's health and ability to compete in the main event will be closely watched.

The details

Tomac was leading the first qualification session when he crashed late in the run. The Alpine Stars Medical Team rushed to assist Tomac, who was favoring his right shoulder, and a red flag was required to clear the track.

• Qualification 1 session was held on April 18, 2026.

What’s next

Tomac's status for the main Triple Crown event later today will be closely monitored, as his ability to compete could be in jeopardy depending on the severity of his shoulder injury sustained in the crash.