'They crashed just in front of me, it was pretty close' – Jonas Vingegaard says attacking Giro d'Italia stage 2 finale was 'safest' option after narrowly avoiding mass pile-up

Jonas Vingegaard narrowly avoided a major crash during the second stage of the Giro d’Italia, which unfolded on a treacherous wet descent with just over 23 kilometres remaining. The incident involved a mass pile-up triggered by a UAE Team Emirates rider losing control, bringing down around 20 competitors in the process. Vingegaard, a pre-race favourite riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, was positioned just behind the initial fallers and managed to evade the chaos by a slim margin, escaping unscathed while several riders, including Jay Vine, Marc Soler and Ådne Holter, were forced to abandon due to injuries. The crash left the Visma team shaken, with sports director Marc Reef describing the tense moments as they awaited news on their riders. Wilco Kelderman and Tim Rex were initially reported to be involved but were able to continue, while Vingegaard’s survival was a relief to the team. The high-speed nature of the descent and the proximity of the crash to the roadside barriers underscored the danger, heightening concerns for rider safety. Despite the turmoil, the race was neutralised briefly before resuming, allowing the remaining contenders to contest the final climb and finish. In response to the chaotic conditions, Vingegaard opted to launch a decisive attack on the last categorised climb, a move he described as the safest strategy given the slippery roads and the reduced group size. The attack, planned from the outset of the stage, aimed to thin the field and avoid the risks associated with a larger group sprint on the technical descent. Although his breakaway was eventually caught near the finish, Vingegaard emphasised that his priority was a safe completion of the stage rather than immediate time gains or seizing the pink jersey. Reflecting on the day’s events, Vingegaard expressed empathy for those involved in the crash and acknowledged the unpredictable nature of racing under such conditions. He downplayed any blame regarding the tactical dynamics of the stage’s finale, highlighting the collective focus on rider safety above all else. The incident and Vingegaard’s measured response underscore the challenges faced by riders in wet and hazardous conditions, setting the tone for a cautious yet competitive Giro d’Italia moving forward.