Jan Tratnik opens list of abandons at Giro after stage one crash

Bahrain - Victorious have been the first team to loose a rider in the race, as Jan Tratnik was the first rider forced to abandon due to the effects of a crash on the opening day. This comes as a blow to the ambitions of the team, who have one of the strongest teams however loose out on a very important piece.

As a result of a crash on the opening stage, in what was a tense finale into the final climb, Jan Tratnik "suffered bruises and felt pain in his right wrist and hand". Although initially finishing the stage, he was in visible discomfort during yesterday's time-trial in Budapest as he was not grabbing the handlebars with his right hand. The injuries sustained didn't allow him to finish the third stage of the race.

In a press release, the team confirmed that "due to the high pain and difficulties keeping the handlebar as he was wearing a brace, Tratnik decided to abandon the Giro." As the race was set to pass through his home country of Slovenia, it will come as a disappointment - mainly as he didn't have the possibility to be helpful for the Bahrain - Victorious team.