Originally Posted by DocRay
You can't predict how a crash will happen, or when, if you could, you wouldn't crash.
That giro Stage was unusual in that the road was slippy due to water on all the painted surfaces, but in the usual sprint crashes, even the seasoned pros get hurt.
That's all true. But developing an instinct, and ability to tuck and roll, rather than extending your hand helps the chance of reducing injury.
A guy named Eddie Borysewicz had his racers do tumbling exercises for this reason, and he knew a few thing about racing a bike.