Trek-Segafredo DS on Giro crash: "It's an unfortunate fall and I understand Remco's frustration, but he should have just looked ahead”

Alex Kirsch apologized in the Soudal Quick-Step team bus after the fifth stage of the Giro d'Italia, because he came into contact with Remco Evenepoel during his second crash of the day. Although that was not necessary according to Trek-Segafredo team leader, as Steven de Jongh gave details on what happened to Het Laatste Nieuws.

“Kirsch rode in the lead to prepare the sprint for Mads Pedersen,” says De Jongh about the finale of the incident-rich ride to Salerno. “His work was done and he swerved to the right. Remco looked to the left at that moment, so he did not see Alex and touched his rear wheel. It's an unfortunate fall and I understand Remco's frustration, but he should have just looked ahead.”

Evenepoel crashed twice in the fifth stage. Because the last crash happened in the last three kilometers, he didn't lose any time in the general classification however was visibly - and understandably - frustrated after going down for a second time on the day, with possible consequences for the coming days.

The World Champion has in the meantime been confirmed to not sustain any fractures, however, with the night it is possible that the sensations will be different as he gears up for tomorrow's stage. This Friday the riders go up the Gran Sasso d'Italia which will be the first major GC challenge in the mountains and the Belgian will have to be at his best to remain within a shot of victory.