Edvald Boasson Hagen has withdrawn from the Giro d'Italia, suffering from injuries sustained after crashing during the race's opening week, and will not start Tuesday's stage 16.
The Norwegian's withdrawal with persistent rib and back pain leaves another hole in Team Sky's Giro line-up after the squad also lost Kanstantsin Siutsou to a crash on Stage 14 on Saturday.
"I'm sad to be leaving the race but I couldn't risk my injuries getting worse and affecting my longer-term fitness," said Boasson Hagen. "I'm going to rest up now but I'll be back in training as soon as possible and am looking forward to competing again already."
Team Sky's medical officer, Steve Bayne, said: "Edvald has been experiencing rib and back pain over the last couple of days, and with the cuts and bruises he's already sustained, the medical team felt the best decision was for him to withdraw from the race at this point."
So far, Sky has been without a win in the Giro despite concerted efforts by sprinter Ben Swift, and attacks by Dario Cataldo and Phillip Deignan. Richie Porte and Peter Kennaugh were both non-starters in the race after suffering from illness.
According to Sky, Boasson Hagen has travelled back to Oslo to rest and recuperate before the remainder of the season.
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