At that moment I was no longer a professional, but a grandfather

Luka Mezgec, a prominent figure in the global cycling circuit and one of Slovenia's most vocal athletes, is facing the aftermath of a severe crash that has altered his racing calendar. Delo reports on the incident that forced him to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia, highlighting the significant impact of the fall.

Mezgec detailed the unfortunate event, explaining how a collision involving two Bahrain Victorious riders led to his bike being struck and him being thrown onto the ground. The impact was severe enough to break three ribs, a painful consequence that underscores the inherent dangers of professional cycling. He noted that without the radio he carried under his jersey, he might have been able to finish the race, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such accidents.

Despite the setback, Mezgec remains committed to his original plan for his farewell race. The Slovenian cyclist confirmed that the October European Championships in Slovenia will mark his final professional appearance. This decision, made even after the challenging crash, speaks to his dedication and desire to conclude his career on home soil, offering a poignant end to his distinguished journey in the sport.

“

On my left side, two cyclists from Bahrain Victorious got tangled, hit my rear wheel, and catapulted me onto my back. I fell on the radio that cyclists wear under their jersey. As high as the radio is, that's how many ribs I broke, three. If I hadn't had the radio, I would have gotten up and cycled to the finish line.