Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, has withdrawn from the Giro d’Italia with a broken pelvis after a crash on Monday.
What happened?
He crashed over a stray water bottle that lodged in his front wheel, about a mile into the neutral start within the peloton.
Thomas remounted and finished the third stage, but suffered abrasions up and down his left side.
Initial X-rays showed no broken bones, but he withdrew before Tuesday’s start as a precaution.
Why it matters for Geraint Thomas
Geraint Thomas was in good shape for the Giro d’Italia, having finished first and second in the last two editions of the Tour de France.
His withdrawal is a significant blow, given his strong form and experience in Grand Tours.
Joao Almeida of Portugal is currently leading the Giro d’Italia.
What comes next?
Geraint Thomas will now focus on recovering from his injury, with the Ineos Grenadiers team doctor Phil Riley advising him to withdraw as a precaution.
The decision to withdraw was made easier by the fracture, as Thomas does not want to aggravate the injury.
Thomas had been left off Ineos' Tour de France roster, despite his strong recent performances.
He expressed frustration at the decision, but the injury has now made it clearer.
The Giro d’Italia continues without Geraint Thomas, who will be watching from the sidelines as the race unfolds.
Egan Bernal, the 2019 champion, had also struggled in the mountains and abandoned the race.
Geraint Thomas's injury is a significant setback, but he will be aiming to return to full fitness for future races.