Cian Uijtdebroeks withdraws from Vuelta a España due to ankle injury

Movistar Team rider Cian Uijtdebroeks has withdrawn from the Vuelta a España 2026 due to an ankle injury. The Belgian cyclist suffered a crash during the second stage, which resulted in a fracture in his left ankle.

Despite the injury, Uijtdebroeks attempted to continue the race, completing the fourth stage in Andorra la Vella. He finished in last place, 26 minutes and 11 seconds behind stage winner Tadej Pogačar, narrowly avoiding disqualification after the race organizers adjusted the time limit. Following the grueling stage, Uijtdebroeks expressed significant physical and emotional distress.

On the eve of stage five, Movistar Team confirmed his withdrawal, stating that further medical examinations revealed the injury was more serious than initially estimated. This marks the second consecutive Grand Tour that Uijtdebroeks has been forced to abandon early, following his exit from the Tour de France due to illness.