Stage 8 winner Luke Plapp abandons the 2025 Giro d'Italia

Some disappointing news has hit the 2025 Giro d'Italia relatively early on stage 17. Luke Plapp, winner of stage 8 in stunning style, has abandoned the race with around 100km to go on stage 17.

Despite the premature end of his Giro, this has been a race that will live long in the memory of the former Australian national champion. After a fierce battle to join the day’s breakaway on stage 18, Plapp emerged as one of the successful attackers who gained a solid advantage. But he wasn’t satisfied with just staying in the group — around 50 kilometres from the finish, the Australian launched a decisive attack on the Montelago climb, dropping his breakaway companions. From there, he held strong all the way to the finish line, securing the biggest victory of his career.

Not too much is known surrounding the reasons behind his abandon, but there will be no further success for the Team Jayco AlUla star at this Giro d'Italia.