According to the Associated Press (AP), Raisin, 23, crashed with approximately 1.25 miles to go in the opening stage of the race. At the time, he suffered from a broken collarbone, a broken rib, and facial contusions.

The initial diagnosis was not critical and Raisin spoke to team director Roger Legeay on Wednesday, the AP reported. However, according to Bicycling.com, at 5 a.m. Thursday morning, a hematoma occurred and the resulting hemorrhage filled Raisin's brain with blood. Doctors, unable clear his brain of blood, induced Raisin into the coma.

"This morning the hematoma burst and he had a brain hemorrhage," Credit Agricole sport director Michel Laurent told Bicycling.com Thursday. "There was too much blood for the doctors to get out, so the doctors induced a coma and their diagnosis is grave and reserved. Right now he's not responding."

Raisin's parents were slated to join him this afternoon.

"Saul has had an unexpected turn for the worst," reads a statement on Raisin's Web site from his parents. "Please keep him in your thoughts. We are on our way to France to be with him. We will try to keep you updated."

Raisin is one of the most promising young American cyclists, winning the best young rider jersey in the 2003 Tour of Georgia. At 21, the win put him on the cycling map, garnering him attention from Europe and his current team, Credit Agricole. Last year, after suffering a broken hip in May, Raisin managed to finish ninth overall in the Tour of Germany. In his second season as a professional, Raisin won his first victory in the Tour of Langkawi. Known as a reputable climber, he is scheduled to ride in the Tour of Italy in May.

Circuit de la Sarthe is a four-stage cycling event that takes place in the Loire region of France. As of the third stage, Stefan Schumacher leads the overall standings.

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