Tom Dumoulin abandons Giro d’Italia due to injury

Updated 20/06/2019 at 17:39 GMT

Tom Dumoulin’s charge at the Giro d’Italia came to a meek end as he retired after just 1.5 kilometres on Stage 5.

Team Sunweb rider Netherlands' Tom Dumoulin (2nd L) enters a car after abandoning the race during stage five of the 102nd Giro d'Italia

Image credit: Getty Images

The 2017 champion was passed fit to race by Team Sunweb after sustaining nasty injuries on Tuesday, but the Dutchman took the decision to abandon on the soggy roads in Frascati.

Dumoulin finished over four minutes adrift on Stage 4 after he was wiped out in a ripple-effect crash six kilometres from the end. He eventually crossed the line as blood streamed down his left leg, surrounded by his Team Sunweb teammates.

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He will now focus on preparing for the Tour de France.

Speaking on Eurosport’s new analysis show The Breakaway on Tuesday, Dumoulin’s teammate Nico Roche debated what the options will be now for the team leader:

Do we give up and refocus on the Tour or do we stay and hope things go better for two options: do we try and save the Giro by going for the stage, or is it not too bad and I can still fight and maybe in the second or third week go for a top ten?

Dumoulin was 4:30 behind maglia rosa incumbent Primoz Roglic.