Tom Dumoulin to start Stage 5 despite crash injuries

The 2017 champion finished over four minutes adrift on Stage 4 from Orbetello to Frascati 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. It seemed inevitable he would withdraw with his GC hopes in tatters.

"I was in the front of the bunch and just couldn’t avoid it," Dumoulin said of the crash. "There are no fractures, which is good, but my knee is very swollen. I wasn’t able to push any power in the last few kilometres so I don’t know how I will be tomorrow."

However, Sunweb have said the Dutchman will fight on, although whether he makes it beyond Wednesday’s stage from Frascati to Terracina will depend on his knee.

"Medically speaking he is cleared to race, but the day's eventuality is dependent on how much pain his knee brings," said team physician Stephan Jacolino. "Hopefully it goes well and the pain subsides as the day goes on."

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:

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