🎥 Brutal Giro opening stage claims first GC casualty as Mikel Landa crashes hard

The Spaniard from Soudal Quick-Step had ambitious goals going into the race. "I want to be on the podium of the Giro d'Italia," Landa said ahead of the Giro start in Albania. "That's my dream, and I'll fight for it. It's been three years since my last participation, and I look forward to it. I have a complicated relationship with the race, with some wonderful and difficult moments. But that doesn't stop me from dreaming I can accomplish something special here."

The preparation was also good. "I’m satisfied with the first few months of the season, it’s been a good start to the year for me, and I can’t wait to get going at the Giro d’Italia with the boys. I had a solid altitude camp in Sierra Nevada, followed by more training at home, and I’m happy to return to the race that shaped me into the rider I am today. I expect a tough Giro, especially with a demanding final week, but I’m ready to fight for a stage win and a strong GC result."

The Spaniard appeared full of confidence at the start of the first stage. Things went well for Landa for a long time between the start in Durrës and the finish. Lidl-Trek took control of the climbs for their leader, Mads Pedersen, and in doing so, left the fast riders behind. Landa's teammate Paul Magnier, who seemed like a dangerous outsider for the first pink jersey, had to drop out early due to pressure from the American-German team.

The same did not apply to the experienced Spanish rider. Even when Giulio Ciccone accelerated once again on the final climb of the Surrel, Landa was still following. Meanwhile, we had already seen Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers) and Derk Gee (Israel-Premier Tech) fall behind. Landa came over the top with the other big names, after which only the descent to the finish remained.

That is exactly where it went wrong. When the broadcast was abruptly interrupted, we suddenly saw the Spaniard lying on the side of the road. Landa remained on the ground for a long time after his crash, in which he flew over a wall, while Vine and Bouchard also came to a standstill. Eventually, we saw him being carried away on a stretcher. Not long after Pedersen crossed the finish line as the winner, Soudal Quick-Step shared an update on their leader.

"#ForzaMikel," reads the update on X. "Our rider has been taken to the hospital for investigations after the crash that put an end to his dreams at the Giro d'Italia," the Belgian team said. This is a significant setback, but hopefully, Landa will not be seriously injured.