With the Olympics less than two weeks away, the Australian star made the call to abandon the Giro to ensure she was in the best possible shape for the Olympic Road Race in Tokyo.
Spratt was left battered and bruised after she was involved in a serious crash with BikeExchange teammate Grace Brown on Stage 8.
While the 33-year-old was able to get back on her bike and finish the stage, her injuries took their toll the following day as she was distanced by the top climbers.
Despite battling through the mountains to Monte Matajur during Stage 9, the Sydneysider lost major time finishing the day nearly five minutes behind race winner Ashleigh Moolman (SD-Worx).
With the Olympics edging closer and a determination to win gold, Spratt made the call to quit the race to get a head start on her final preparations for Tokyo.
“Unfortunately, I’ve made the decision not to start the final stage of the Giro today. I pushed so, so hard yesterday and through the pain just a bit too much," Spratt said.
"With an eye to the Olympics ahead, I think it’s the right decision not to race. It’s really disappointing but it’s how it is. Now we’re looking ahead.
“I had a lot of pain in my back and glute from the crash. I hoped it would get better during the stage but it was a tough battle all the way to the line. I’m definitely disappointed after all the hard work from the team I had definitely hoped for more."
