(Salerno) Giro d’Italia favorite Remco Evenepoel was involved in an accident caused by a dog early in the fifth stage, contested in the rain on Wednesday and won by Kaden Groves.
Evenepoel crashed a second time, but this incident happened in the last three kilometers, which means the times are neutralized, according to the rules.
The Belgian cyclist seemed furious after the accident. It is not yet known if the world champion has suffered any injuries.
At the start of the course, Evenepoel fell off his bike, like many cyclists, after his teammate at Soudal Quick-Step Davide Ballerini slipped on the wet surface while trying to avoid a stray dog in the middle of the road.
Evenepoel was quickly assessed by a doctor before resuming racing. He gave the TV cameras a thumbs up and caught up with the peloton.
Groves sprinted ahead of Jonathan Milan and Mads Pedersen at the end of the 171 kilometer course between Atripalda and Salerno.
PHOTO JENNIFER LORENZINI, REUTERS
Kaden Groves
Overall leader Andreas Leknessund maintained his 28-second lead over Evenepoel.
Derek Gee of Ottawa placed 18e, finishing in the peloton behind the sprinters. The Israel-Premier Tech cyclist occupies the 54e rank in the general classification, 12:20 from the lead.
Thursday, the sixth stage will be punctuated by the ascent of two categorized passes during a 162 kilometer route around Naples.
The Tour of Italy will end on May 28 in Rome.
