Jai Hindley, the reigning champion of the Giro d’Italia from 2022, has been compelled to withdraw from this year’s edition of the prestigious race following a significant crash during Stage 6, which also led to a temporary neutralization of the stage. The unfortunate incident occurred with approximately 70 kilometers remaining in the stage that concluded in Naples. Hindley, who rides for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, fell hard along with several other competitors as they navigated treacherous conditions that made the road slippery.
Among the riders involved in the crash were notable competitors such as Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek, Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost, Derek Gee representing Israel-Premier Tech, and Adam Yates from UAE Team Emirates. The collective downfall of these accomplished athletes highlighted the perilous nature of competitive cycling, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. Hindley was visibly in distress, prompting immediate medical attention. Following treatment at the roadside, he was subsequently transported to the hospital in an ambulance, raising concerns regarding his health and future in the competition.
The implications of Hindley’s exit resonate strongly throughout the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team. As the pre-race favorite Primoz Roglic prepares to tackle the grueling high mountain stages, he now faces this major setback without the support of his most seasoned climbing ally. The loss of Hindley represents not just a blow to team morale, but a significant tactical disadvantage as Roglic embarks on the critical stages of the Giro d’Italia.
In the wake of the crash, race organizers decided to neutralize the stage, pausing the race to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. As riders and support staff alike awaited updates, there was an atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the stage. After thorough considerations, the organizers opted to restart the race while reinstating the lead of the breakaway duo—Taco van der Hoorn from Intermarché–Wanty and Enzo Paleni of Groupama-FDJ—but with the stipulation that all times would be neutralized. This ruling meant that the only competitive aspect left was the quest for the stage victory.
Red Bull’s sports director Patxi Vila expressed his disappointment regarding Hindley’s withdrawal during a conversation with TNT Sports. He acknowledged the significance of Hindley to their aspirations for the Giro, stating, “He knows how to win this race and was a very important man for us in the three weeks.” Vila further alluded to the medical assessment, confirming that while Hindley experienced some dizziness, he reportedly did not sustain any serious injuries.
Alongside Hindley, other riders such as Dion Smith from Intermarché-Wanty and Juri Hollmann of Alpecin-Deceuninck also abandoned the race following the crash, contributing to the growing list of competitors sidelined by injuries or misfortunes. During this phase of heightened tension, there were also circulating rumors regarding Jay Vine, another key player from UAE Team Emirates-XRG who supports general classification hopeful Juan Ayuso. However, the team swiftly clarified that Vine was not among those who exited the race, which was a relief for fans keen on seeing Ayuso’s bid for the title.
As the cycling season progresses, enthusiasts and followers of the Giro d’Italia can stay updated by streaming the events live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The unexpected twists and turns, including Hindley’s departure, serve as sobering reminders of the volatility of competitive sport, where split-second decisions can lead to life-altering consequences for the athletes involved.