Giro d'Italia Stage 2 Crash Knocks Out Yates, Soler and Vine

**Major crash in Giro d'Italia's second stage sidelines Andorran residents Adam Yates, Marc Soler and Jay Vine**

A massive crash during the second stage of the Giro d'Italia in Bulgaria has forced three prominent Andorran-based riders from UAE Team Emirates—Adam Yates, Marc Soler and Jay Vine—out of the race.

The incident occurred on Saturday at 23km from the finish in Veliko Tarnovo, involving around 30 cyclists. It took place on a fast right-hand bend with the peloton travelling near 65km/h, shortly after catching the breakaway and ahead of a sprint section. The pile-up was so severe that organisers briefly neutralised the race due to a shortage of ambulances, as several riders required urgent medical attention.

Vine suffered a concussion and elbow fracture, while Soler sustained a pelvic fracture. Both were taken to hospital by ambulance and withdrew immediately. Yates, a pre-race general classification contender, crossed the line bloodied from heavy abrasions and bruises but showing signs of concussion. He lost over 12 minutes and did not start Sunday's third stage.

The crash also affected other Andorran residents, including Santiago Buitrago, along with international riders such as Wilco Kelderman, Derek Gee and Andrea Vendrame.

Around 20 riders based in Andorra had lined up for the 2026 Giro, which began with its first Bulgarian Grand Départ in Sofia. Yates had led the group, which included teammates Soler and Vine as well as Enric Mas and David de la Cruz. The principality's high-altitude training facilities and tax benefits have long drawn top cyclists.

Their exits leave the race more open, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG severely weakened and Jonas Vingegaard emerging as the strengthened favourite for the maglia rosa.