Caleb Ewan has issued a statement on social media saying injury forced him out of the Giro d'Italia, but adding he hoped to return to full training as soon as he could.
The popular Australian sprinter won two stages at the Giro and on Saturday, the day after his second win and while leading the points classification, he abandoned the race mid-stage.
Eddy and Axel Merckx have commented on Ewan’s withdrawal from the race, with Eddy saying it “bothered” him. He added it was “a total lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for the Giro and cycling”, with those sentiments echoed by his son.
Related News
However, in a measured statement on social media, Ewan reiterated what his Lotto-Soudal team had already said; that he was having knee issues and was forced out of the race.
Advertisement
He explained he had planned to stay in the race for longer and said if those people now criticising him had seen him prepare for the Giro they would understand how disappointed he was at being forced out. He also thanked people who sent him well wishes.
"I've done some stuff with my positioning to help
the knee pain I've felt since the start of stage 8. Once it's completely gone
I'll resume my training to prepare for the Tour,” he said.
"Honestly it'll be hard to watch the sprint today at the Giro d'Italia and also on the 13th stage as I felt my form was coming to its best. To the people who think I've disrespected the race, I'm sorry you feel that way.
"If you saw the hard work and dedication I've put into my preparation to honour this race and perform at my best I'm sure you wouldn't think the same. I'm more disappointed than anyone."
Topics
