“I was stuck between Madis Mihkels and the fences” - Fabio Jakobsen details crash in finale of stage 11 at Giro d'Italia

Fabio Jakobsen's disappointing 2024 Giro d'Italia continued on stage 11. The Dutchman wasn't allowed a sprint opportunity in the finale of the day as he crashed in the last few hundred metres.

“I was okay and had a good day, but when they go over a rear wheel I can't ignore it anymore,” the 27-year-old of Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL reflected in his post-stage interview, revealing how it was Intermarché - Wanty's Madis Mihkels who actually took him to the floor. “I was stuck between him and the fences.”

The disappointing conclusion to stage 11 was made even worse for Jakobsen by the fact he was feeling like he had the legs to compete for victory for the first time this Grand Tour. “Then I could at least participate in the game. This is not normal, but it does happen,” he concludes. “I'm now going to cycle five kilometers to the bus and then I hope it won't hurt as much.”

Jakobsen's crash wasn't the only incident in the sprint either. Tim Merlier initially crossed the line in second place but after a review by the race jury, Jakobsen's former teammate at Soudal - Quick-Step was relegated for deviating in the battle for the stage win.