Crash with Itzulia doctor's car left Landa with a fractured pelvis

Mikel Landa, the Soudal-Quick-Step rider, will miss the upcoming Giro d'Italia. This unfortunate withdrawal stems from a fractured pelvis sustained earlier this month at Itzulia Basque Country. Landa was hit by a medical car driver during stage 2 of his home race, an incident that forced his eventual abandonment and now sidelines him from one of cycling's Grand Tours.

This injury marks a significant blow for both Landa and Soudal-Quick-Step. The Spaniard, a consistent Grand Tour top-10 finisher, was poised to lead the team's Giro ambitions, a role he'd embraced since his move from Bahrain Victorious. His absence not only alters Soudal-Quick-Step's strategy but also reignites uncomfortable discussions around race safety protocols and the conduct of support vehicles within the peloton, an issue that seems perpetually unresolved.

Another Grand Tour contender sidelined by avoidable circumstances. One might hope for a comprehensive review of race vehicle operations, but history suggests this will be another unfortunate footnote in a long, accident-prone season.