Cian Uijtdebroeks withdraws from La Vuelta due to injury

Belgian cyclist Cian Uijtdebroeks has withdrawn from La Vuelta after suffering an injury that proved more severe than initially diagnosed. The Movistar Team rider had been struggling with a series of setbacks, including a feverish illness during the Tour de France earlier this year.

Following a crash during the second stage of La Vuelta, Uijtdebroeks initially attempted to continue despite a traumatized left ankle. However, after finishing the stage in Andorra over 26 minutes behind the winner, Tadej Pogačar, and visibly in significant pain, medical evaluations confirmed that the injury was more extensive than first thought.

As a result, Uijtdebroeks did not start the fifth stage. Movistar Team released a statement acknowledging the severity of the injury and expressing support for the rider's recovery.