Giro 2026: Andrea Vendrame abandons due to lower back fractures
The massive crash in the second stage of the Giro d'Italia has claimed a new victim. Andrea Vendrame managed to finish the race on Saturday through sheer determination, but he will not start the third stage. The Italian is dealing with multiple fractures in his lower back.
Marc Soler, Jay Vine, Santiago Buitrago, Adne Holter... These riders were immediately taken to the hospital after the crash, but the also injured Vendrame got back on his bike and, with pain and effort, managed to reach the finish in Veliko Tarnovo.
The Jayco AlUla rider crossed the line in 179th and last place, more than seventeen minutes behind stage winner and new pink jersey Thomas Guillermo Silva. This will also be his last act in this Giro, as Vendrame is unable to continue.
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"Andrea Vendrame will not start the third stage of the Giro d’Italia," his team announced on social media. "The Italian has sustained fractures to three protrusions of his lower back. He will now return to Italy for further examinations. His rehabilitation will begin then as well."
Key asset for Jayco AlUla
Vendrame’s withdrawal is a serious setback for his team Jayco AlUla, as the 31-year-old rider was one of the designated men to win a stage. The fast puncheur may be having the best season of his career and has proven in the past that he can win stages in the Giro d’Italia. He took a stage win in both the 2021 and 2024 editions.
