Giro d'Italia's first GC contender leaves the race - Eddie Dunbar withdraws with several injuries after crash

With Luke Plapp not performing over the opening weekend of the Giro d'Italia, Team Jayco alUla is left without a card for the overall classification. That is because Eddie Dunbar, the assigned leader for the task, crashed on stage 2 and will not resume racing this morning.

Dunbar crashed on stage 2 together with Olav Kooij in a seemingly calm section of the race. Kooj suffered and complained about the impact of the fall, whilst Dunbar also looked visibly shaken after it, limping - indicating a possible injury already.

There was no luck of the Irish this Sunday; Dunbar arrived almost six minutes down on Tadej Pogacar losing his GC aspirations for a top result, whilst also being badly wounded. Whilst he did finish the stage, the Australian team confirm he does not resume the race this Monday morning.

"Unfortunately following a crash on stage two of Giro d'Italia, Eddie Dunbar will not start today's third stage," the team wrote. "The Irishman was able to finish the stage, but after further examinations by the team doctor, the decision has been made to withdraw the 27-year old from the race due to a sustained injury under his right kneecap and bodily abrasions."