Disaster struck HTC-Highroad’s Craig Lewis in Stage 19 of the Giro d’ Italia. Lewis crashed on the rain slicked roads and was taken away in an ambulance, ending his chances of completing the Giro. At the time of the crash he was moving and appeared conscious.

CyclingNews.com reported that he struck a traffic sign on the median and broke his femur as a result.

Lewis’ teammate Marco Pinotti crashed along with Lewis injuring his knee and fracturing his collarbone.

At the conclusion of Stage 18, Lewis sent Carolina Cycling News a report from the Giro letting us know how he was feeling.

“Yes, feeling a bit tired. I think the workload of the first two weeks is starting to catch up to me. I’ve developed a cough and a cold, but I am still enjoying the Giro. It has been a great one for the team and we still have some opportunities ahead. Kosta is moving up on GC and there are a few stages that will suit another breakaway like today. I am getting my body up for it, I’ll have another go.”

Lewis was a strong asset to the HTC squad and his presence will be missed in the Giro.

Chris Butler’s Status

Spotted walking gingerly through the lobby of the Greenville Hilton was BMC’s Chris Butler. With the US Professional Championships in town Butler was there to visit his BMC teammates. He crashed during Stage 5 of the Giro but the pain lingered. He finally got an x-ray at the conclusion of Stage 8.

“The race doctors saw the stable fracture in the pubic section of my right pelvis they pulled me from the race,” said Butler.

I’m sure he is looking forward to getting back on the road.

It’s been a tough month of injuries for these Greenville based racers. Carolina Cycling News is hoping for a speedy recovery for both Craig and Chris.