Cycling: Bauer feared the worst after crash

New Zealand cyclist Jack Bauer crashed during the 19th stage of the Tour de France. AP

Jack Bauer feels fortunate to have escaped with just superficial injuries from his horror crash at the Tour de France.

The Kiwi cyclist crashed face-first into a barbed-wire fence on the 19th stage, abruptly ending his maiden Tour.

Bauer said the pain was unbearable and he feared the worst.

He said blood was everywhere, he was squealing like a little girl and that he thought he'd lost his teeth, broken his nose and his jaw. Eventually he needed 11 stitches in his face.