Luka Mezgec Out of Giro d'Italia After Rib Fractures

It is official: Slovenian cyclist Luka Mezgec will not participate in the Giro d'Italia, a decision that comes as a heavy blow in what is expected to be his final professional season. The news, confirmed following his serious crash during the Scheldeprijs on April 8th, means the 37-year-old rider from Kranj will likely miss out on competing in a three-week Grand Tour.

“

As seemed logical after the severe fall in the Scheldeprijs on April 8th, it is now officially confirmed – Slovenian cyclist Luka Mezgec from the Jayco Alula team will miss the Giro d'Italia and thus, in his final season, will almost certainly not compete in a three-week race.

Mezgec sustained a painful injury, fracturing three ribs, which necessitated a hospital stay in Belgium. The severity of rib fractures makes any significant movement risky, delaying his return home. While his team, Jayco Alula, has not yet released a definitive timeline for his return to racing, his participation in major events this season appears highly uncertain. This is a particularly unfortunate turn of events for a rider at the twilight of his career, as reported by Delo.

“

The 37-year-old from Kranj broke three ribs in a nasty fall, due to which he spent several days in a hospital in Belgium.

While Mezgec's absence from the Giro is a significant story for Slovenian cycling, the team will look to Ben O'Connor to lead their efforts in Italy. The team's roster for the Giro includes riders like Koen Bouwman, Felix Engelhardt, and Chris Juul-Jensen for the mountain stages, and Pascal Ackermann for sprint opportunities. Mezgec's immediate focus will likely be on recovery, with potential appearances in the Copenhagen Sprint and the Tour of Slovenia later in the season.

“

A rib fracture is, of course, extremely dangerous with potential displacement, so he could return home relatively late.