Rain, cobblestones, a narrow section in the center of the town, a high sidewalk, a sudden swerve - the first to fall seems to be a Bahrain Victorious rider - and many end up on the ground. Among them, more than half of the Lidl-Trek riders, including Mads Pedersen but especially Giulio Ciccone, who took a very hard hit to his right thigh and knee.

The Abruzzese first tried to restart, then dropped his bicycle and sat back on the sidewalk with his leg stretched out. Giulio even removed his helmet, making it seem like he would withdraw, but then signaled to the team car to bring him a bike. His teammates, starting with Mads Pedersen, were waiting for him.