Enrico Zanoncello strongly rejects disqualification: "This feels unfair"
The hectic fifteenth stage of the Giro d'Italia had a late development on Sunday evening when it was announced that Enrico Zanoncello had been disqualified by the jury. This was due to a headbutt in the finale, but the Italian is unaware of any wrongdoing and expressed his displeasure on Instagram.
In the lead-up to the sprint for fifth place – behind the four breakaway riders who managed to stay out of the peloton's grip – Zanoncello came into contact with a rider from Groupama-FDJ United. The rider from Bardiani CSF 7 Saber then collided head-first with Robert Donaldson. Donaldson, who races for Jayco AlUla, lost his balance and crashed at high speed.
The jury found Zanoncello at fault and was unforgiving to the 28-year-old Italian: Zanoncello must leave the Giro. After a night’s rest, the rider felt compelled to share his side of the story. "I want to say something about what happened yesterday," he begins his post on Instagram. "I sincerely apologize to the rider (referring to Donaldson, ed.) involved in the accident."
Watch the footage of the incident here:
Enrico Zanoncello has been disqualified from the Giro d’Italia after this incident in the final sprint on Stage 15. pic.twitter.com/MfZonN9cpW
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) May 24, 2026
"I never wanted it to end like this. It was a very chaotic sprint. I got a shoulder shove from the left, lost control of my bike, and at that moment had no room or time left to avoid a collision. The headbutt was also a result of trying to regain control.
"Never had the intention to hit or endanger anyone"
"I never intended to hit or endanger anyone," Zanoncello wants to emphasize. "I sincerely regret what happened, but I also think it is unfair to judge the incident based on just a short clip. If you watch the full footage, you clearly see a different dynamic and sequence of events."
Zanoncello is referring to a maneuver by Paul Penhoët. The footage shows the French sprinter of Groupama-FDJ United brushing Zanoncello, which causes the Italian to lose balance and collide head-first with Donaldson, who in turn crashes to the ground.
"Therefore, I largely distance myself from responsibility for the accident. It hurts to have to leave the Giro d’Italia this way. This is absolutely not how I wanted to finish. I wish everyone involved all the best and a speedy recovery."
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