Australian cyclist Jay Vine has been forced out of the Giro d’Italia after a devastating crash left him with a broken elbow and concussion, his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad confirmed on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who has now endured 23 reported crashes in a career marked by both brilliance and misfortune, suffered his third major spill in just 13 days of racing. Fortunately, Vine will not require surgery, according to team medical director Dr Adrian Rotunno.
“Jay Vine suffered a concussion and an elbow fracture. Marc Soler has a pelvic fracture. At this stage, neither should require surgery,” Rotunno said. “Adam Yates suffered heavy abrasions and a laceration to his left ear. He was initially cleared to continue but later showed delayed concussive symptoms and will not start stage three.”
The crash occurred during Saturday’s second stage in Bulgaria, with 22 kilometers remaining, as team rider Marc Soler’s front wheel appeared to slip on a wet right-hand turn, bringing down Vine and others who slammed into a roadside barrier. The powerful UAE Team Emirates-XRG lineup was decimated, losing Vine, Soler, and team leader Adam Yates all in one incident.
Vine’s wife, Bre, expressed relief on Instagram: “Yesterday was honestly really scary. But the main thing is Jay is OK. Considering how bad that crash was, he’s been relatively lucky to come away without anything more serious. Unfortunately in this sport you can do everything right, be in the right position, and still end up on the ground.”
All three riders are under observation and will travel home in the coming days to begin their recovery and rehabilitation. The Giro continues on Tuesday after Monday’s rest day, with stage four covering 138 kilometers from Catanzaro to Cosenza.