Miguel Angel Lopez's Giro d'Italia came to an early end after a major crash in the opening time trial in Palermo. In the final stages, Miguel Ángel López lost control of his bike after it appeared to hit a bump in the road surface and crashed into the shoulder barriers.

The Astana rider was taken to a hospital in Palermo where he underwent surgery to repair a wound near the iliac artery, but it was confirmed that there were no fractures.

"X-rays showed no fractures, but he did suffer a deep wound near the iliac artery and underwent surgery to repair it.

"As for the crash, Miguel Angel suffered no further serious injuries. He walked out of the hospital and returned to the team's hotel. As for his return, we will see tomorrow how he is feeling."

Lopez was appointed to Astana's Giro team after finishing sixth overall in the Tour de France. In the final week, he took a stage win at the Col de la Rose. At that point, the Colombian was in contention for a podium finish, but dropped from third to sixth in the final time trial.

After the Tour, Astana coach Alexandre Vinokurov suggested that Lopez would not remain with the team in 2021. However, at a pre-Giro press conference, Lopez insisted that he had not yet made a final decision on his future with Astana.

Lopez was scheduled to ride the Giro to support Jacob Hrusang and Alexandre Vlasov, who lost places in Saturday's 15.1 km downhill time trial from Monreale to Palermo. Vlasov finished 54th, 1:20 behind winner Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers), while Hulusang finished 100th, 1:47 behind. Hulusang was 1 minute 47 seconds behind in 100th place.

Fuglsang described this stage as "a day to remember." Like all late starters, his efforts were hampered by the unfavorable wind." The stage was tough, and the wind made it even tougher, but it was also dangerous."