Tom Pidcock forced out of Tour of Catalunya after ‘horror’ fall

British rider Tom Pidcock has been excluded from the Volta a Catalunya after crashing on Friday’s fifth stage.

The Pinarello-Q36.5 rider suffered what he described as a “horrifying” fall into the valley on the day’s penultimate descent after misjudging the bend and going off the road.

The 26-year-old finished the race more than 29 minutes behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard.

However, after medical checks, it was decided that he could not participate in the rest of the race.

“He suffered injuries from the accident, most likely bone and ligament damage, especially in his right knee and right ankle,” team doctor Lorenz Emmert said. he said.

“Unfortunately, we had to make the decision to withdraw him from the race. Further clinical evaluation and imaging will take place in the coming days.”

Pidcock won the Milan-Turin race earlier this month and finished behind world champion Tadej Pogacar in Milan-San Remo.

“We did everything to get to the beginning [of Saturday’s stage six] but it’s not possible,” said the two-time Olympic cross-country mountain bike champion.

“I struggled to finish the stage yesterday to make sure I had the option to continue. My focus now is on recovery and I will be back.”