Santiago Buitrago has been forced to abandon the Giro d’Italia after being caught in a multi-rider crash near the finish of Stage 2. The Colombian rider from Bahrain Victorious suffered injuries in the incident, which occurred 22 kilometers from the line, and was later taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The crash, the second major pileup in the early stages of this Grand Tour, involved approximately 30 riders and was triggered by treacherous weather conditions. Among the most seriously affected were Jay Vine (who was stretchered off) and Adam Yates (who sustained a deep cut near his ear). Buitrago, a key leader for his team, also crashed heavily into roadside barriers.
Minutes after the stage concluded, Bahrain Victorious confirmed Buitrago’s withdrawal and his transfer to a nearby hospital. The team later issued a medical update: “Following medical assessments and scans, no fractures were detected and all scans returned clear. Santi sustained several superficial abrasions, bruising to the neck muscles causing restricted movement, and a concussion.”
The team added that Buitrago would remain under observation and undergo the standard SCAT concussion protocol, wishing him an uncomplicated recovery.