CALEB EWAN PULLS OUT OF THE GIRO D’ITALIA

Australian sprint ace Caleb Ewan withdrew early from the Giro d’Italia on Thursday to conserve energy for the Tour de France, his team Lotto said. The 27-year-old failed to add to his five stage career wins at this year’s Giro — his best result was runner-up in the sixth stage. It is the fifth time in the five Giros he has competed in that Ewan has pulled out.

“As planned, Caleb is leaving the Giro in the second week of the race. With numerous mountain stages to come, it has been decided he should go home,” the team said in a statement.

“After a short rest, he will prepare for his next big target for this season, the Tour de France, where he will be seeking victories in the sprint specialist stages.”

Ewan will bid to add to his five stage wins at the Tour de France. The race gets underway in Copenhagen on July 1 and runs till July 24.

???????? #Giro@CalebEwan will not be at the start of stage twelve of the Giro. As initially planned, the Australian will leave the Giro during the second week of racing. With plenty of mountain stages coming up, together with the team it was decided that Ewan will be heading home. pic.twitter.com/LyqduJS5dR

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) May 19, 2022

RBA/AFP Photos: Sprint Cycling Agency