Mikel Landa Withdraws from Giro on Stretcher After Severe Crash

Mikel Landa was evacuated to a hospital in Tirana, Albania. The Basque cyclist was involved in the most unfortunate incident of the Giro d'Italia's first stage, which was won by Mads Pedersen. Landa suffered a severe crash five kilometres from the finish, forcing him to withdraw from the race.

During the second descent of the Surrel pass, a challenging mountainous section where most sprinters fell behind, the Soudal Quick-Step rider lost control of his bike after a left-hand curve and crashed off the road. Landa fell several metres beyond the pavement, on a small slope, while his bike remained on the road, causing Bouchard and Jay Vine to also crash.

However, the worst affected was the rider from Murguía. He attempted to stand up immediately but couldn't. He showed clear signs of pain, particularly in his right arm and shoulder, although the exact extent of his injuries is still unknown. He was stretchered away from the scene, immobilised, as he was placed into the ambulance, amidst applause from spectators gathered at the notorious curve.

This incident adds to Mikel Landa's tumultuous history with the Giro d'Italia. The race that has given him so much, where he made his breakthrough in 2015 with a podium finish and two stage victories, but also the one that has brought him the most heartache.