Cipollini holds the record for most Giro stage wins with 42

The sprinter hurt his left ankle and also needed stitches in his calf and elbow following the accident.

"I am full of cuts and bruises and I can't pedal easily and so it's impossible to carry on," he said.

"I'm disappointed because I wanted to win at least a stage but now my Giro is over - at 37 I don't know how this will affect my future."