Most viewers feared the worst when a highly motivated Tobias Ludvigsson went too fast into a corner on the slippery descent in today's Giro d'Italia and flew over the safety barrier in a very dramatic crash. Luckily, Team Giant-Shimano have now confirmed that he suffered no serious injuries.

Tobias Ludvigsson was hoping for a strong ride on the first individual time trial on the Giro but following a nasty crash on a wet descent he has had to leave the race, and is having checks to see what and if any damage has been done.

Team Giant-Shimano can thankfully confirm that following several examinations and tests at hospital following a nasty fall during today’s Giro d’Italia time trial Tobias Ludvigsson has come away with just cuts and bruises.

Despite the height that Ludvigsson fell from after hitting, and then tumbling over, the safety barrier on today’s Stage 12 individual time trial the team’s medical experts confirmed that he has no fractures or internal bleeding and could return home.

Georg Preidler rode a strong race following his hard efforts yesterday and finished the 42.2km rolling course in 22nd place, 3’31″ down on stage winner Rigoberto Uran (OPQS).

Stage 12 presented the first individual time trial effort of the 97th Giro d’Italia and with it the first decisive mix up in GC. For most of the Team Giant-Shimano guys it was about making it through the day safely within the time limit and saving something for tomorrow’s flatter stage, another opportunity for Luka Mezgec.

For Preidler and Ludvigsson it was a day to test the legs again, and for Ludvigsson a personal target in the race. The weather was quickly deteriorating as the day went on and the roads started to become wet and slippery with Ludvigsson out on the course. He set the fourth fastest time at the first split but then coming into a wet bend slightly too hot, Ludvigsson could not correct himself enough to avoid hitting the safety barrier. This send his tumbling over the top and down onto the grass below.

Landing a fair way from his bike, things did not look good initially but he was soon moving and then received the help of the race ambulance which transported him to hospital for tests. This does unfortunately spell the end of Ludvigsson’s Giro d’Italia.

Preidler was off after Ludvigsson and rode a strong, well balanced TT to finish in 21st place in a time of 1:01:05. Simon Geschke was next back for the team in 76th place with all the others finishing safely within the time limit.

“It is a sad way for Tobias to end his Giro campaign today and we are all hoping for the best and that he comes out with only cuts and bruises,” said Team Giant-Shimano coach Marc Reef after the stage.

“Georg rode a strong race again today, not going out too hard early on and staying calm before building and going hard to the finish.

“The rest of the guys rode well and finished without any problems, safely inside the time limit. Tomorrow presents another opportunity for Luka and we will look towards a big day tomorrow.”