Racing talent Primoz Roglic withdraws from Stage 16 of the Giro, following another fall during the competition.
Tadej Pogačar, four-time Vuelta a España champion and the defending Giro d'Italia champion, has withdrawn from this year's race, according to a confirmation on the race's social media channels. The Slovenian cyclist, aged 35, faced difficulties in this year's edition, admitting to being in "survival mode" at the start of the 203-kilometer stage from Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino.
Pogačar, who had previously crashed in the ninth stage and during the reconnaissance of the 10th time trial, suffered another fall today in a descent around 95 kilometers from the finish. As a result, he withdrew from the competition.
Since Pogačar's absence from the Giro in recent years has largely been due to his strategic decision to focus on the Tour de France, his withdrawal this year opens up the race, creating more opportunities for other riders like Primož Roglič, who aims to seize the Giro title in Pogačar’s absence.
Pogačar has chosen not to defend his Giro title in the 2025 edition either, opting instead to prepare for the Tour de France in July, which he has prioritized. This decision has altered the dynamics of the Giro, making the race less predictable without his dominance.
In light of Tadej Pogačar's decision to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia, there will be an opportunity for other sports enthusiasts to witness intense competition, especially in Port (city) where the race unfolds. Primož Roglič, among others, aims to capitalize on Pogačar's absence and secure the Giro d'Italia sports title this year.
