Vande Velde abandons Giro

Christian Vande Velde

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Christian Vande Velde was forced to abandon the Giro d'Italia after falling

Christian Vande Velde was forced to abandon the Giro d'Italia after falling during Monday's stage three, having sustained two broken ribs and a severe contusion and sprain to his middle back.

The American, who was leading Garmin-Slipstream's charge to a possible maglia rosa in this year's edition, will return to Girona as soon as possible for further examination.

Garmin-Slipstream staff haven't indicated a prognosis on his expected recovery time, although it certainly disrupts his preparations for July's Tour de France, which he was using the Giro d'Italia as vital preparation for.

Meanwhile, in a more positive development for Jonathan Vaughters' squad, young American sprinter Tyler Farrar took second on the stage to Valdobbiadene to take the white jersey as the Giro's best young rider.

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