Our Italian climber was the main victim of the mass crash on Stage 14 and is unable to continue in the race
Giulio Ciccone crashed during the late stages of Stage 14 as the race entered a local circuit. He was able to finish the stage, but was then taken to the local hospital where ultrasound and x-ray exams were performed. The exams confirmed that Ciccone has suffered a major haematoma on the vastus lateralis muscle on his right quadricep as well as a small muscle fascia injury. His injuries are such that he will be unable to continue racing in the Giro d’Italia. No surgery is required, but Ciccone will require a rest period of around two weeks.
I have no words. I tried to fight to finish the stage because I was hoping that the hospital checks would show that it was not so bad and I could recover and fight for a stage, but I understood straight away that it was something important because the pain was too much, and now we know why. It hurts to leave the giro like this, especially with the climbs still to come and the great feeling in the team, as well as leaving the good position I had in the GC. Now I need time to recover and we will see for the rest of the season
