The sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia, which took place on Thursday, was marred by a dramatic crash that led to the race being neutralised. Kaden Groves won the stage in a sprint finish, but the crash forced organisers to halt the competition temporarily, making it impossible to award time gaps, points, or bonuses.
The 227km ride from Potenza to Naples, the longest stage of this year’s Giro, was interrupted by a major incident that occurred with about 70km to go. Groves, who had a strong finish, crossed the line just under five hours, ahead of Milan Fretin. Paul Magnier, despite an earlier crash, secured third place.
“It’s a big relief,” Groves said after the race. “The team always believed in me. It’s been a tough start to the season due to injury, and I arrived here without a win. So, getting my first win of the year is a big relief.” Groves also noted how crucial it was to be ahead when the roads started to get slippery due to rain, especially with cobbles nearing the finish line. “Once it started raining, I felt much better. I’m quite good in the colder, wetter conditions,” he added.
The race was neutralised after several riders, including former Giro winners Jai Hindley and Richard Carapaz, crashed on the slick roads. The race director ordered a slowdown, and the peloton resumed with no points or time to be gained. Hindley, visibly in pain, was forced to abandon the race. The 2022 Giro winner was taken to an ambulance for treatment.
Carapaz, whose jersey was torn in the fall, managed to rejoin the peloton, while Josef Cerny also had to abandon the race. Rainer Kepplinger was taken to the hospital with a finger injury, cuts, and bruises. His teammate, Max van der Meulen, will undergo medical tests for his injuries.
With teams deciding to avoid risks until the final stretch, the lead duo, Enzo Paleni and Taco van der Hoorn, were caught with less than three kilometres remaining. Mads Pedersen, who had already won three stages, chose not to sprint, keeping his lead in the overall classification. Pedersen now holds a 17-second advantage over Primoz Roglic.
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