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Alessio Martinelli, a rookie at the Giro d’Italia, narrowly escaped severe injury in a harrowing crash during the race’s 16th stage. The incident occurred on a treacherous descent amid rainy conditions, where Martinelli lost control on a sweeping bend and plummeted 10-15 meters down a steep, wooded ravine. The crash, captured vividly on camera, showed the Italian skidding across the tarmac before disappearing beneath roadside barriers. Fortunately, Martinelli remained conscious throughout the ordeal and was quickly attended to by mountain rescue teams, who strapped him onto a stretcher and transported him to a local hospital.
Initial medical assessments revealed that Martinelli sustained only minor injuries, described as “trauma to the chin and right gluteus,” with no fractures detected. His VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè team later confirmed his condition, expressing relief that the incident could have been far worse. The team also shared an update on social media, reassuring fans that Martinelli was out of danger. Remarkably, Martinelli’s escape was even more astonishing given the similarity to Remco Evenepoel’s infamous crash at Il Lombardia in 2020, which left the Belgian with serious injuries, including a broken hip.
The crash scene was chaotic, with rescue teams descending the ravine to retrieve Martinelli and his De Rosa bike from the underbrush. Meanwhile, team staff and onlookers watched anxiously as the dramatic rescue unfolded. Photographs from the incident highlighted the perilous nature of the descent and the swift response of emergency crews. Despite the scare, Martinelli’s story ended on a positive note, with the young rider avoiding significant harm.
This incident was part of a tumultuous day at the Giro d’Italia, which saw numerous crashes due to the combination of high-altitude climbs, technical descents, and adverse weather conditions. Among the other riders involved in accidents were Josh Tarling and Primož Roglič, both of whom were forced to abandon the race. Additionally, notable cyclists like Egan Bernal, Thymen Arensman, and Richard Carapaz also experienced falls, underscoring the challenging nature of the stage.
Martinelli’s crash served as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in professional cycling, particularly on mountainous terrain and in inclement weather. However, his ability to walk away from such a potentially catastrophic fall was a testament to both resilience and the effectiveness of the emergency response. As the Giro d’Italia continued, this incident will likely remain a talking point, highlighting the fine line between triumph and tragedy in the sport.
