Cycling-Pozzovivo in Giro d'Italia horror crash

The AG2R-La Mondiale rider, one of the contenders for a podium finish, hit the ground head first with about 40 kilometres left in the 136-km ride between Rapallo and Sestri Levante.

The 32-year-old, fifth overall in last year's race, was put in an ambulance wearing a neck brace and wrapped in a survival blanket.

The accident brought back memories from the 2011 Giro during which Belgian Wouter Weylandt died after crashing during the third stage.

(Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by XXXX)