Broeckx was transported by helicopter to the hospital in Aachen after receiving head injuries in the crash, which his team Lotto Soudal claim was caused by a crash between the two motorbikes on a descent during stage three of the race.

Team doctor Servaas Bingé stated it was immediately clear that the 26-year-old needed to be transported to a neurosurgical centre for treatment.

“Together with the race doctor and the medical emergency team we decided to transport him to the hospital of Aachen, which has the necessary infrastructure,” he said in a statement on the team’s website.

“A scan was taken at the hospital and it showed that Stig has two bleedings in his brain.

“Stig is in a non-induced coma, but for the moment he doesn’t need to undergo surgery.

“He doesn’t have a skull fracture, but he does have a fractured eye socket, which will be further evaluated later."

The UCI have confirmed that in partnership with the Belgian Cycling Federation, they are investigating the incident and will determine whether new rules governing the conduct of everyone who is in control of a car or motorcycle in a road race were observed.

Under the rules, vehicles are required to comply with all directions from race commissaires, while the governing body claim that the need to safe driving, particularly when overtaking riders, has been emphasised in pre-race briefings.

Negligent driving could result in sanctions by the UCI’s Disciplinary Commission, who could hand out a suspension of up to one year, as well as a fine of 200CHF (£138/$201/€180) to 10,000CHF (£6,900/$10,000/€9,000).

Improving safety in the sport, particularly regarding the use of vehicles in races, has been a hot topic in recent months following the death of Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitié in March.

The Wanty-Groupe Gobert rider died following a crash involving a motorbike during the Gent-Wevelgem one-day classic on March 27.

Although the team’s press officer, José Been, refused to blame the motorbike rider involved in incident, the UCI has faced calls to act following the death and incidents that have caused injury to riders and others in recent months.

“Safety is an absolutely vital issue for the UCI and our stakeholders, and it is crucial we do all in our power to protect the riders from unnecessary risks,” said UCI President Brian Cookson, following the crash involving Broeckx.

“We have seen too many incidents involving motorcycles, and that is why we recently adopted clear new rules governing how vehicles must be driven in races.

“Right now, our thoughts are with Stig Broeckx, his family, friends and teammates from Lotto Soudal.”

The UCI have also state they are currently finalising an updated and comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines to govern all aspects of a road race which have a bearing on safety and security, which will include limiting the number of vehicles allowed in races.

The size and power of motorcycles used in races is also being examined by the governing body, who stress that they are continuing to consult stakeholders and welcomes input regarding rider safety.