Richie Porte has been forced to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia on medical grounds following injuries sustained in a stage 13 crash.

The Tasmanian was among a number of riders to be brought down in a pile-up 3.3 kilometres from the finish in Jesolo, landing on his knee and hip.

After enduring an uncomfortable weekend of racing as he looked to continue the Grand Tour, the team's medical staff have taken the decision to withdraw Porte at the second rest day.

The 30 year old displayed great form during the first week of the race to sit as high as third before a combination of bad luck, time penalties and a crash forced him out of overall contention.

On leaving the race Porte said: “The Giro has been my main goal this year and I’ve worked incredibly hard all season with this race in mind. 

“I’ve had a lot of back luck this week with the puncture and the time penalty, but it was the crash on Friday that has taken its toll.

“I fell heavily on my knee and hip which caused me a lot of pain on Saturday’s time trail and yesterday’s stage. I just wanted to keep trying and give it everything but now the medical team have advised me not to continue.

“I'm gutted it’s ended this way and that I can’t stay and support Leo, Elia and the team in the last week. They’ve been outstanding every step of the way and to not be able to repay that is tough.

“The plan for me now is to take some time off the bike, get the medical treatment that I need and reset my goals for the rest of the season and come back fighting. Hopefully I can get myself ready for the Tour team.”