Jack Haig laments his bad luck at Grand Tours: "I feel a bit like a curse is on me"

Saturday, 20 May 2023 at 04:00

Jack Haig's GC ambitions for this Giro d'Italia took a huge blow in stage 13, where the Australian lost nearly four minutes to the Maglia Rosa group including all biggest favourites to win the race. Haig may still fight for top 10, but that option doesn't seem to be on the table as of now.

"I was pretty sore today," Haig told Cycling Pro Net afterwards. “I didn't want to admit it this morning, but I saw the impact of the fall… I'm pretty bruised. And unfortunately I didn't have the legs," laments the Bahrain - Victorious rider.

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Due to bad weather conditions, the stage was shortened considerably to 75 km, with start at the foot of Croix de Coeur. The climb was a much-discussed topic, several riders (including Haig) and teams wanted to remove the climb because the descent was very dangerous. “I think the tarmac on the descent was at the limit of what is acceptable in a Grand Tour. However, everyone came down safely," Haig says about it.

“I had a lot of bad luck in my last two Grand Tours. Now again, I feel a bit like a curse is on me," Haig returns to the subject of his fall in stage twelve. “It's annoying because it doesn't feel like it was my fault all the time. I'm still in and kind of healthy, just a little bruised and sad."

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Nevertheless, Haig is not considering packing up yet as he wishes to leave his mark in the remainder of the race. "I will assist Damiano and the final week also offers opportunities. I hope for some more sunshine," Haig concludes.