It was officially confirmed by Ineos Grenadiers on Twitter. “We can confirm Richie Porte has abandoned the Giro d'Italia during stage 19 due to sickness,"
According to Eurosport on-bike reporter Bradley Wiggins, he saw Porte vomit up while riding and that Porte yelled "gastro" to him, suggesting that he was suffering from stomach difficulties.
During the important mountain stages of 19 and 20, Porte was anticipated to play a major role as teammate Richard Carapaz sought to protect his three-second advantage over Jai Hindley in the general classification.
This year's Giro was the final Grand Tour of the 37-year-old's 13-year pro career, as he is set to retire at the end of the season.