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Mikel Landa’s aspirations for a podium finish in the 2025 Giro d’Italia were abruptly shattered after a severe crash during the race’s final descent, resulting in a fractured spine. The Soudal Quick-Step rider, who was among the leading group on the day’s final climb, lost control on a sweeping left-hand bend, veering off the road and falling approximately one meter onto a footpath. The impact left Landa motionless on his right side, unable to stand. He was quickly attended to by spectators and race officials, stabilized on a stretcher, and transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Medical examinations, including a CT scan, revealed a stable fracture of the Th11 vertebra in Landa’s back. This injury necessitates an extended period of lying in a stable position, and he remained hospitalized overnight for further assessment and planning of his return home. The crash marks a devastating end to Landa’s Giro campaign, which had barely begun. Just days before the incident, the 35-year-old Spaniard had signed a one-year contract extension with Soudal Quick-Step, reflecting his value to the team. Landa joined the squad in 2024 and played a pivotal role in supporting Remco Evenepoel to a third-place finish in the Tour de France.
Landa, a three-time Giro d’Italia stage winner and the 2017 King of the Mountains, had expressed high hopes for this year’s race. On Wednesday, he shared his dream of standing on the Giro podium, stating, “It’s been three years since my previous Giro presence, and I’m excited to be going there again. I have a love-hate relationship with the race, with many beautiful moments and also some difficult ones, but this doesn’t stop me from dreaming that I can do something nice there.” Unfortunately, his latest Giro experience ended in heartbreak. Velo and the cycling community hope for his swift recovery and a return to training in time for the Tour de France, where he had planned to support Evenepoel once again.
The crash also cast a shadow over other general classification (GC) contenders. Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech) and Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) struggled on the final climb, losing significant time. Gee, who had shown strong form earlier in the season with a win at O Gran Camiño and a third-place finish at the Tour of the Alps, dropped 57 seconds. Arensman, who finished sixth overall in the 2024 Giro and second in the recent Tour of the Alps, lost 1:35. Both riders had high ambitions for the race but faced a tough day on the bike.
Dani Martínez (Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe) and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) also had disappointing performances. Martínez, last year’s runner-up to Tadej Pogačar, found himself in the same group as Vine, who crashed at the same spot as Landa and lost 3:53. Martínez’s primary role is to support Primož Roglič, while Vine is tasked with aiding Juan Ayuso. Despite their frustrations, Landa’s severe crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in professional cycling.
The cycling community rallied around Landa, with the hashtag #ForzaMikel trending on social media as fans and fellow riders expressed their support. Soudal Quick-Step’s official Twitter account shared updates on his condition, emphasizing the team’s concern and solidarity. While the day was marked by setbacks for several GC riders, Landa’s injury underscores the fragility of even the most experienced cyclists in the face of the sport’s inherent dangers.
As Landa begins his recovery, the focus shifts to his long-term health and potential return to racing. His determination and resilience will be crucial in overcoming this setback, and the cycling world eagerly awaits his comeback. Meanwhile, the Giro d’Italia continues, with the remaining riders navigating the challenges of the race while reflecting on the risks they face in pursuit of their dreams.
