Is this the usual?

[thwart]

Several riders -- Robbie McEwen, Robert Forster, and George Hincapie -- did not even start the stage, most turning their attention to July's Tour de France. This is from today's race coverage on Velonews... as I'm really enjoying following the Giro this year (definitely not an experienced bike race fan) I'm kind of surprised to see this. It's a shame...

[EDS]

It is typical. Alot of riders who also have ambitions for the tour use the first week or two of the giro as training.

[thwart]

Thanks! Too bad. I'm sure the Giro promoters are even a little more upset than I am... ;)

[frenk]

McEwen's director was questioned some days ago by our tv commentator and said that "for respect of the race they can't say that they plan to retire after the first week, but the very long pro tour calendar forces them to take difficult decisions"...

In other words McEwen knew since the beginning that he would have retired before the first mountain stage (and I think he does so every year).