The opening stage of the 2022 Giro d'Italia turned from promise to disaster for Caleb Yuan (Lotto-Soudal). With meters to go before the finish at the Citadel of Visegrad, Yuan was sprinting in third place when he collided with Biniam Guillemay (Intermarché-Wanty-Gaubert) and crashed.

The 27-year-old Yuan was the only pure sprinter to stay under attack during the 5.6km finish climb and was battling for the stage win and first Maria Rosa with winner Mathieu van der Pol (Alpecin-Phoenix) and runner-up Gilmey.

Rider Lotto Soudal remained down for a while, but crossed the finish line 1:04 behind the stage winner. His team announced on social media that Euan was able to ride to the team bus with abrasions but escaped further injury and will be able to start the time trial in Budapest on Saturday.

"Unfortunately, Caleb Yuan hit Gilmey's rear wheel and crashed just before the finish line. Aside from a few scrapes, Caleb has no major injuries and will start tomorrow in the ITT."

Ewan's teammate, Belgian climber Herm Vanhocke, also crashed with 6km remaining in the opening stage.