Remco Evenepoel abandons Giro d’Italia 2021

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 26 May 21

Remco Evenepoel has abandoned the Giro d’Italia 2021 after stage 17.

The Belgian star was caught up in a crash on a descent in the final 30km of the stage, as riders went down in front of him on a right hand turn.

Evenepoel was forced wide on the road and hit the barrier at the side of the road and went over the top, as a group of riders hit the deck in his path.

Other riders involved in the crash included Giulio Ciccone and Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo).

Following the crash, Evenepoel (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) was back on his feet and was attended to by medical staff at the side of the road.

Evenepoel got back on the bike and was able to finish the stage, but his team announced on Wednesday evening (May 26) that he would not continue on stage 18.

Medical examination after the stage revealed no fractures, but Evenepoel did suffer multiple skin lacerations, as well as injuries to his pelvis, hand, and rib.

Evenepoel said: “In the end it was a crash that shouldn’t have happened, I don’t know what really happened in front of me, but I came into the corner and saw some guys on the ground and I couldn’t pass on the right side because I was next to another guy, so I didn’t have any chances to avoid a crash. For now, there isn’t anything broken, but I have a lot of contusions, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to carry on with this pain. So I go back to Belgium and go for some CT scans. Then we will see.”

He added: “Of course it’s sad to leave the race, and my first Grand Tour too early, but in the end, it was a nice experience and I hope to be back one day again. I’m wishing the best to all my Deceuninck – Quick-Step team-mates for the remaining stages."

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.