Wackermann out of Giro as helicopter leads to crash
Barrier taken over by draft from heli-copter strikes two riders on Giro’s fourth stage
By Reuters
Last Updated: 07/10/20 7: 11am
Italian rider Luca Wackermann was forced to withdraw from the Giro d’Italia with multiple injuries carrying out a major crash during Tuesday’s 4th stage caused by a low-flying helicopter.
The crash, which delivered down Wackermann and Dutchman Etienne van Empel of the Vini Zabu-KTM team, happened at the end of the phase when a barrier was blown more than by the draft from the helicopter plus struck the two riders.
A statement from the Italian group said Wackermann had suffered concussion due to a head injury, as well as a break of the nasal bones, multiple contusions to the face, on the chin and the right knee.
We are okay. Only some small slashes on my fingers. Not really sure exactly what happend but out of nowhere the particular barriers flew into our team. For now my thought are along with my teammate Luca and wish some good news will arrive soon🤞 #giro @ZabuBradoKTM pic. tweets. com/blR2o1Ncy7
— Etienne van Empel (@etiennevanempel) October 6, 2020
The 28-year-old also sustained several bruises to his arms and legs along with a suspected back fracture.
“Wackermann will spend the night within the hospital kept under observation plus losing that chance to live the dream vanished because of an event that could have brought some weightier consequences, ” read the statement.
A freak incident on stage three also forced Geraint Thomas out of the Giro, after he or she ran over a stray water container which caused an “undisplaced break of his pelvis”.
