GC hopeful Pello Bilbao among riders wiped out in ‘big crash’ on Stage 9 at Giro d'Italia 2022

Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) was among riders caught up in a big crash during the early stages of Stage 9 at the Giro d’Italia. The Spaniard, who started Sunday’s five-star stage ninth in the general classification, was one of six riders upended by the innocuous incident in the middle of the peloton.

Ad/> Jorge Arcas (Movistar) was also caught up in the crash on the run from Isernia to Blockhaus, a day after being involved in the four-up sprint in Saturday’s finish in Naples. /> Tour of the AlpsBilbao catapulted to Stage 2 victory by tremendous Bahrain-Victorious lead-out19/04/2022 AT 18:08 “It’s a blow if Bilbao has to take time to get back on or he’s injured because we’ve seen the form he’s in,” said Eurosport commentator Adam Blythe, who branded it a “big crash”.

“Brilliant in the Tour of the Alps and if he’s injured it’s going to be a blow for the team.” Bilbao is expected to battle with Mikel Landa for Bahrain Victorious leadership duties at the Giro. Bilbao was 2'00" off pacesetter Juan Pedro Lopez (Trek-Segafredo) prior to Sunday's start, with Landa in 13th and 2'15" off the pace.

A double ascent of the fearsome Blockhaus, including the tougher side of the climb on the grind to the finish, was expected to inject some much-needed spice into the battle for pink. Maxing out at 14%, with an average gradient of over 8% from top to bottom, the Blockhaus will leave riders wanting to «to strap a rocket onto their bums”, according to Blythe.

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