Popovych out of Giro

Popovych was involved in a crash on the first stage in Sardinia and again at the finish of stage 11 to Pinerolo on Wednesday. He did not start Friday's 13th stage, a mountain time trial from Biella to Santuario di Oropa.

"I prepared very well for the Giro and was in good form when I arrived in Sardinia for the start but the two crashes were too much for my body to manage," Popovych said in a team statement on Friday.

"It was very hard to decide to stop but I know it is the best decision. I still have many races left this year, including the Tour de France, so all is not lost. I expect to recover quickly and be back in good form for the remainder of 2007."

Popovych was 19th in the overall standings, nine minutes and 34 seconds behind race leader Danilo Di Luca of Italy.

REUTERS