Remco Evenepoel crashed twice on Wednesday's stage. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Evenepoel lies down twice: fall orgy at the Giro

Australian professional cyclist Kaden Groves won the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia, which was marred by many crashes. Overall victory favorite Remco Evenepoel fell twice.

10 May 2023

From: cst/apa

Alpecin professional Groves beat the Italian Jonathan Milan in the finish sprint in the port city of Salerno on Wednesday after 171 km. World champion Evenepoel fell twice, but lost no time in the overall standings. In the early stages, the Belgian fell on a wet road because a dog ran onto the road.

Shortly before the finish, Evenepoel, who apparently was not seriously injured, went down again on the slippery road. Just like the sprint veteran Mark Cavendish at high speed shortly before the finish line. The Brit, who crossed the finish line in fifth place, then had to be treated on the road. The crashes had no consequences for the overall ranking, as the last incident happened within the three-kilometer zone, so Evenepoel did not lose any time.

Kayden Groves celebrates after his stage win. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Co-favorite Primoz Roglic was also held up briefly after several riders fell, a good seven kilometers from the finish, but also reached the finish without losing any time. Evenepoel had worn the leadership jersey until Tuesday and is considered the overall favorite to win based on his previous performances. Norwegian Andreas Leknessund successfully defended the pink jersey. On Thursday a hilly section around Naples awaits the peloton before the mountain specialists are challenged with a mountain finish on the Campo Imperatore on Friday.