Simon Yates, winner of the Vuelta 2018 and third in the Giro 2021, won two stages of this edition, the time trial in Budapest on the second day of the race and the 14th stage on Saturday in Turin.
The Briton, who was in 21st place, had left all ambition in the general classification after losing a lot of time in the 10th stage at the Blockhaus, five days after falling in the Etna stage.
“Yates’ fall on Mount Etna and the ensuing knee problem (probably edema of the cancellous bone in the patella) weighed on Simon for the rest of the Giro,” said Dr Matteo. Beltemacchi, Australian team doctor.
“Despite daily therapy and Simon’s tenacity, the pain in his knee worsened, which ultimately led to the decision to abandon him,” added the doctor.
The Belgian Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto) also gave up during the stage.