Giro d’Italia: Caleb Ewan crashes in sprint finish

Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) was forced to hobble over the line with his jersey torn on stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia after the Australian crashed with the finish in sight.

Ewan was in contention for the win after surviving the 5.6km climb to the line. He came into the last 100m with Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux) all vying for the first stage and the first maglia rosa of the race.

UPDATE: Lotto-Soudal officials confirmed that Ewan suffered cuts and scrapes, but will take Saturday’s start in the individual time trial in Budapest.

Also read:

• Giro d’Italia: Mathieu van der Poel takes opening stage chaotic sprint
• Thomas de Gendt: Chasing breakways, points, and a contract at Giro d’Italia
• Caleb Ewan confirms he will quit the Giro d’Italia early to focus on the Tour de France

Ewan was sitting in third wheel after fighting to the front for most of the last climb, but a touch of wheels with Girmay brought the Lotto-Soudal rider down.

Van der Poel won the stage and took the race lead with Girmay in second.

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. He came over the line with his jersey badly torn with medical checks set to take place immediately.

The crash appeared a complete accident, with Ewan and his rivals enjoying plenty of space but the Lotto rider was out of the saddle and just appeared to clip the back of Girmay’s wheel as he tried to move left.

🇭🇺 #Giro

Unfortunately, @CalebEwan touched the back wheel of Girmay, which caused him to crash just before the finish line.

Apart from several abrasions, Caleb came away without any severe injuries and will take the start in the ITT tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/AareBfGZMq

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) May 6, 2022