“It’s ridiculous and should not happen.”
Welshman Geraint Thomas’ hopes of winning the Giro d’Italia suffered a catastrophic blow as he was involved in a devastating crash caused by a police motorbike on stage nine of the tour, which was won by the pre-race favourite Nairo Quintana.
Quintana, who won the Giro in 2014 gained the upper-hand in the race on Sunday when he claimed the overall lead in the General Classification by winning the first big mountain stage of this year’s Giro.
The Police Motorbike appeared to stop suddenly at the side of the road, condemning the pursuing riders to a crashing fall.
NO!!
Most of @TeamSky, including @GeraintThomas86, are taken out by a police motorbike 😱 #Giro100 pic.twitter.com/iPJg7iXo4K
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 14, 2017
The crash which occurred at the summit of the final climb left most of Team Sky panned out on the ground and had a major impact on the stage results.
A visibly distraught Thomas, nursing a resultant shoulder injury was interviewed by Eurosport in the aftermath of the incident.
“We were all racing for the bottom of the climb, and then next thing I know someone in front of me hits the motorbike and they go down, and my shoulder popped out as well.
“I felt good, but then I crashed and that was it, race over. Somebody hit in front of me, and obviously I had nowhere to go (other than) straight down,” said the Welshman.
"It's ridiculous, it shouldn't happen!"@GeraintThomas86 furious after being wiped out by a police bike #Giro100 pic.twitter.com/ld5QD6aBnA
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 14, 2017
Team Sky’s Thomas, who was in second place at the start of the day, finished over five minutes behind the victorious Colombian. His General Classification aspirations have consequently been ended.
Englishman Adam Yates, who started the day in third, was also brought down in the crash.
Colombian Quintana now leads the overall standings after a dominant display.
The Team Movistar climbing specialist was followed home by Frenchman Thibaut Pinot and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, and that is also the order of the General Classification.
The 2014 Giro winner attacked with six kilometres to go as the race approached the the steep Blockhaus climb and showed that he is the man to beat in this race.
It’s a dangerous game.
