🎥 SD Worx-Protime lose another rider as Harvey crashes hard at Giro d'Italia Women

Anna van der Breggen took the pink jersey in the Giro d’Italia in commanding fashion on Tuesday. The Dutch rider from SD Worx-Protime now defends a one-minute lead from stage four onwards, but she will have to do so with a heavily reduced squad. Following the disqualification of Lorena Wiebes, Mikayla Harvey has also abandoned the race.

Harvey crashed heavily on Monday on a descent during stage three. The 27-year-old New Zealander ended up badly underneath the barrier, but eventually did make it to the finish in Buja. At first, SD Worx-Protime also communicated that Harvey would be able to continue the race.

“After her crash in stage 3, Mikayla shows no signs of a concussion and the x-rays of her neck, taken as a precaution, were fine. She has some bruising and abrasions to her head, elbow and knee, which have been cleaned and treated.”

One day later, however, it was confirmed that she would not be able to start the time trial. “Her symptoms after yesterday’s crash changed overnight and, in consultation with the team doctor, it has been decided to withdraw Mikayla from the Giro for health reasons.”

Van der Breggen now has just four team-mates left: Italian rouleurs Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi, Dutch rider Femke Gerritse and Austrian climber Valentina Cavallar.

In her post-victory interview, Van der Breggen still had some encouraging words for Harvey. “Lorena, who unfortunately is no longer here, will be very proud of me and I am proud of her. I am also thinking of the other women, such as Mikayla Harvey, who crashed. In stage races, you do it together, as riders and staff.”