Australian cyclist Jay Vine has been forced to abandon the Giro d'Italia after suffering a broken elbow and concussion in a high-speed crash on Saturday. The 30-year-old UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider was involved in a multi-rider pile-up with 22 kilometers remaining in the second stage, which took place in Bulgaria.
Crash Details and Injuries
The incident occurred on a soaking right-hand turn when teammate Marc Soler's front wheel appeared to slip, bringing down Vine and several others as they careered into a roadside barrier. Vine, who has now endured a reported 23 crashes in his five-year professional career, was diagnosed with a concussion and an elbow fracture. Team medical director Dr. Adrian Rotunno confirmed that neither Vine nor Soler, who suffered a pelvic fracture, are expected to require surgery.
Team Impact
The crash decimated UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the peloton's most powerful outfit. In addition to Vine and Soler, team leader Adam Yates was also forced to abandon after suffering heavy abrasions, a laceration to his left ear, and delayed concussive symptoms. The team now continues the Giro with a significantly reduced roster.
Vine's wife, Bre Vine, expressed relief that his injuries were not more severe. "Yesterday was honestly really scary," she wrote on Instagram. "But the main thing is Jay is OK. Considering how bad that crash was, he's been relatively lucky to come away without anything more serious."
Race Continuation
The Giro d'Italia will observe a rest day on Monday before returning to Italy for stage four, a 138-kilometer ride from Catanzaro to Cosenza on Tuesday.
