Biniam Girmay abandons Giro d'Italia

Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux have shared a video this morning confirming the abandon of Biniam Girmay from the Giro d'Italia. After yesterday's storming win on stage ten, the Eritrean got hit by a champagne cork whilst doing the podium celebrations and had to be taken to the hospital.

"Today I did not start the race because my eyes need some rest to give more power to the eye. Now I am looking forward to the next races in the season. I am OK now," Girmay said. Reportedly, he suffered a hemorrhage in his left eye, and the team took the precaution of letting him recover before getting back in the peloton.

He was seen in some pictures last night together with the Belgian squad celebrating the victory without the eye patch that he had received at the hospital in Jesi. That gave some hopes that he would be able to recover for today, however the confirmation came this morning that he would not be at the start of stage 11.

"Yesterday when I arrived after the hospital, at a bad moment, I enjoyed a bit with my teammates and staff and everyone. I'm also happy now. I was a bit sad about what happened with the champagne but when I came back in hotel they were super happy. They were a bit afraid, but when it looked ok, I really enjoyed it, I'm happy," Girmay said. "Thank you to everyone who supported me and pushed me. I'm OK now. See you soon."