Andy Schleck of Luxembourg crashes on wet Belgian road during 2nd stage of Tour de France

Andy Schleck crashes on wet road in Tour de France

SPA, Belgium — Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, last year’s Tour de France runner-up, was entangled in a crash on rain-swept roads in a wooded area during Monday’s second stage of the cycling’s showcase race.

Schleck was spotted standing on a roadside holding his left elbow, with his right elbow bloodied. While waiting for a team car for help, Schleck appeared to take the bike of Saxo Bank teammate Matti Breschel to get back into the race. His condition wasn’t immediately known.

This was one of several spills Monday in the 125-mile run from Brussels to Spa. With about 36 miles to go, a crash ensnared a bunch of riders. TV images showed a race doctor dabbing the bloodied cheek of French rider Mickael Delage of the Omega Pharma-Lotto team. He dropped out of the race.

Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara was in the lead and seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong was fourth, 22 seconds behind. Defending champion Alberto Contador is sixth, 27 seconds back.

At least six crashes marred the first stage, and Australian Adam Hansen dropped out after breaking his sternum and a rib. Many other riders were also injured. Armstrong’s RadioShack teammate Levi Leipheimer injured his wrist, although X-rays Sunday showed no fracture.

The race ends July 25 in Paris.