Jai Hindley (Team DSM) has abandoned the Giro d'Italia due to saddle soreness. The Australian came out of the race on the morning of stage 14 on the Monte Zoncolan climb.

Hindley, who finished second in last year's Giro d'Italia, was in 25th place overall after 13 days of racing, 17:42 behind race leader Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers).

"This is clearly not the way to end my Giro," Hindley said in a statement released by the team.

"The team has done a lot to try to help, but the situation has not improved and cannot continue. I've worked so hard to be here and to help the team get to the podium, but I have no other choice. I will continue to support the team from home and hope to be back soon."

Team director Matt Winton paid tribute to Hindley's fighting spirit, but the Australian rider has struggled throughout the first two weeks of racing, losing time on several key mountain stages. Romain Bardet remains the team's best GC option in 11th place with 3:29.

"I'm really disappointed not to be racing with Jai today. He has put in a lot of hard work over the last few months to make sure he is in top condition to race to the team's goal in the Giro. His grit and determination to get through these last few days is a true testament to what he is capable of as a bike rider and he deserves all the praise he gets." His grit and determination to get through these last few days is a true testament to him as a rider and deserves to be commended. [It was a really hard decision for the team and for Jai, and we will miss him amongst all the great riders and staff here, but it was absolutely the right decision. Now we will focus on Jai's recovery at home and continue to work towards our goals in the Giro."

Team doctor Anco Bollens assessed that it would be impossible for Hindley to ride a mountain race while suffering from pain.DSM Team Doctor "Jai has been suffering quite a bit from sciatic hygroma (saddle pain) the past few days and we were hoping the situation would improve, After yesterday's stage, his condition deteriorated significantly. His pain level is no longer tolerable and with a big day in the mountains coming up, he cannot continue to race.