The opening stages of the 2026 Giro d’Italia saw some big high-consequence crashes, with a number of the 184 starters failing to make it beyond Bulgaria and a high rate of attrition continuing in Italy.
The latest departures are EF Education–EasyPost riders Michael Valgren (winner of stage 17) and James Shaw, neither of whom started stage 19 of the race on Friday. "We have enormous respect for the Giro and will keep fighting all the way to Rome," claims a post from the team with the alien-themed jerseys, despite an open admission that the duo have been beamed up to concentrate on bigger things fast approaching on the calendar: "With Michael and James both essential to our goals this summer, we have made the decision [to withdraw them from the Giro] to prioritize their health, recovery, and preparation for the important block of racing ahead."
