Gianni Moscon's front wheel collapses in bizarre crash during Tirreno TTT (video)
The Italian didn't appear to hit anything as his front wheel collapsed beneath him
Team Sky's Gianni Moscon suffered a bizarre crash during Wednesday's Tirreno-Adriatico team time trial, as his front wheel collapsed beneath him.
The Italian had pulled out of the line of riders as Sky took on the 22.7km course, when his Pro tri-spoke front wheel seemed to inexplicably collapse beneath him.
From video footage it wasn't clear if Moscon hit anything in the road, but nonetheless it wasn't obvious enough to cause such a severe break in the carbon front wheel.
The 22-year-old, now in his second season at Team Sky, was sent sprawling to the floor and suffered abrasions to his back and hip, tearing his skinsuit.
Luckily, he was able to get up almost immediately and get a spare bike from the second team car behind and finish the TTT course. All riders need to finish the course in order to start the second stage.
In all, it looked like Moscon got off quite lightly in a crash which could have been much worse.
Geraint Thomas tweeted about the incident after the race, saying three of his teammates had broken front wheels including Diego Rosa.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Sky went on to finish with a time of 25-02 in the TTT, leaving team leaders Thomas and Mikel Landa on the back foot in the hunt for overall glory with the likes of Nairo Quintana (Movistar) over a minute ahead.
BMC won the opening team time trial, clocking in 17 seconds ahead of second place Quick-Step Floors.
Update - 2/6/17
Team Sky wheel sponsor PRO has now finished its investigations into the incident, concluding that the crash was caused by mechanics not fitting the wheels with wide enough tyres.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
FSA recalls 12,300 cranks fitted to prominent bike models
Consumers told to 'immediately stop using the bicycles' and seek replacement cranks
By Joe Baker Published
-
2.28km in 2:55: The Tour de Romandie prologue which was over in a flash
Majority of riders opted for road bikes on technical course around the Swiss city of Payerne
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard wins Tirreno-Adriatico as Jonathan Milan dashes to victory on final day
Dane continues perfect season towards Tour de France
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonathan Milan wins from gruelling bunch sprint on stage four of Tirreno-Adriatico
Italian pips Jasper Philipsen on the line to take the race lead
By Tom Davidson Published