Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb) has been forced to abandon the Giro d’Italia after a crash on the ninth stage left him with a broken finger. The injury sustained is to the same finger that he broke earlier in the season following a crash at Strade Bianche.
Kelderman expressed his dismay after his abandon: “It is really frustrating to crash out like this. We were taking our position in front-left side and we needed to avoid the motor that was on the road. Tom just managed to go around the motorbike but I clipped it with my handlebar.
“This is a big disappointment for me, I felt really strong and it’s devastating to not have been able to help Tom some more with his great result today. So far the Giro has been really good for the team, there’s a great atmosphere and spirit which is great to be a part of. I’ve worked really hard over the past few months to raise my level and it’s really sad that I cannot continue to show this.”
Team physician Mannes Naeff provided more detail about Kelderman’s injury: “Wilco has a complicated fracture on the index finger of his left hand, the same finger he fractured in his crash at Strade Bianche. Just as the last time he will need surgery once again. He will be operated on in the Netherlands, within a few days. After surgery he will need at least four to six weeks to recover.”
Team Sunweb coach Aike Visbeek said: “Today is truly a day with mixed emotions. The team did a great job and both Wilco and Tom felt really good. The guys were taking their position at the front when Wilco crashed and immediately it was clear that his Giro was over.
“Its disappointing to lose him, he’s an important rider both on and off the bike. We are here on a mission and we will deal with this in the most positive way that we can. We are obviously disappointed but we have a strong team that are all determined. Tom did a great ride today and showed his strength, our motivation continues and our team spirit remains strong.”
