Narváez crashes out of Giro d'Italia after stage 18

Jhonatan Narváez's Giro d'Italia campaign has ended prematurely after a crash following the 18th stage. The Ecuadorian rider, considered a strong contender for the cyclamen jersey awarded to the best sprinter, was injured on his way back to the team bus. Sports director Manuele Mori explained that Narváez was distracted by his computer and did not see the bus in front of him brake, leading to the collision.

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Jhonatan was a bit distracted and was looking at his computer on the way back to the buses. The bus in front of him braked, he didn't notice and there was a collision.

Initially, the injury seemed minor, with only neck and back cramps reported. However, Narváez began the 19th stage but was forced to abandon after about 20 kilometers. Mori detailed that the rider was suffering from the start, likely due to heat and exertion. He experienced nosebleeds and dizziness, and expressed fear, prompting the decision to withdraw him from the race.

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It looked like just some neck and back cramps, the kind that come after a blow.

This incident is another setback for UAE Team Emirates, which has already lost Adam Yates, Marc Soler, and Jay Vine to crashes during the Giro. The team now continues the race with only four riders. Mori expressed disappointment, stating Narváez was very committed to winning the points jersey. "We were all disappointed, but health is more important," he said. The team has not yet decided on Narváez's participation in the Tour de France, but expects him to be ready after a period of rest.

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He was suffering from the start. I think partly due to the heat and exertion. He started bleeding from the nose, he was dizzy, probably a little scared, so we decided together with the doctors on the race to stop him.