VIDEO:Caleb Ewan crashes hard on Stage 1 Sprint at the Giro
Caleb Ewan has suffered a dramatic and painful crash in the final metres of the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia in Hungary while battling for victory
Ewan had almost emptied his tank of energy as he tried to make his final attack over the last 100 metres on the demanding final climb to the finish in Visegrad on Friday.
But still threatening in third place while trying to take victory and the leader’s pink jersey, he clipped the back wheel of Biniam Girmay’s bike just ahead, which sent him crashing down hard across the road at high speed.
Ewan lay on the tarmac for a brief moment, in scenes similar to last year’s Tour de France crash and exit, but was soon back on his feet.
Mathieu van der Poel went on to pip Girmay for victory while Ewan, with his top torn around his left shoulder, eventually rose groggily, remounted and grimaced as he needed assistance to struggle across the line in 76th place.
However, Friday’s crash was not very serious, with his team reporting: “Apart from several abrasions, Caleb came away without any severe injuries and will take the start in the individual time trial tomorrow.”
It comes as no surprise to know Lotto Soudal's Caleb Ewan will not be finishing the Giro d'Italia, however before the start of the race he's talked about his plan for the season, which may include a presence at the Vuelta a España.
The Australian has started the Giro five times, but has never finished it - highly due to the brutal nature of the Giro's traditional final week of racing, packed with high-mountain stages and very few opportunities for the sprinters. He has confirmed that finishing the Corsa Rosa isn't in his plans for this year, and has justified: "It is not possible to finish the Giro all the way if you also want to be in top form at the start of the Tour de France at the beginning of July.”
Ewan was a top contender to win the opening stage, and was in contention for the win until a crash in the final hundred meters as he touched wheels with Biniam Girmay. The Australian was disappointed, but will contest the coming sprint stages.
VIDEO: Caleb Ewan Crashes On Stage 1 Sprint
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La chute de Caleb Ewan au Tour de France 2021 à Pontivy. pic.twitter.com/iHZB4shXNs