Carlos Rodriguez abandons Tour de France ahead of the Alps

Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) has abandoned the 2025 Tour de France after suffering a fractured pelvis from a crash on stage 17, won in a sprint finish by Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek).

Rodríguez was able to finish stage 17, but due to his injuries, he will not take to the start line for stage 18’s brutal Alpine affair, which features over 5,500 metres of elevation gain.

Ineos Grenadiers confirmed the withdrawal of their GC leader in a statement released on Thursday morning.

“Carlos Rodríguez will regrettably not take the start of stage 18 today following his crash in the final moments of yesterday’s stage,” read the statement.

“Hospital scans have confirmed a fracture of the pelvis. Carlos is in good spirits and remains under the close supervision of our medical team.”

“He will now return home to focus on recovery and the rehabilitation process.”

It marks a bitter blow for the Spanish rider who had gained significant time in the general classification, courtesy of featuring in the breakaway on stage 15 that finished behind solo winner Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and gained over 5:30 on the general classification group.

At the end of stage 17, the Spanish rider sat 10th in the general classification, 20:45 behind yellow jersey Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) is the next best-placed rider in the team, now 13th, 44:20 behind Pogačar ahead of the start of stage 18 if you factor in Rodríguez’s withdrawal.

This is the first time in his career that Rodríguez has abandoned the Tour de France, and a grand tour altogether. He won a stage and finished fifth in his debut Tour de France in 2023, before finishing 7th the following year in 2024. Rodríguez is the 21st rider to abandon the 2025 Tour so far. 

Rodríguez is set to miss both the Vuelta a España and the World Championships in Rwanda as he recovers from his injuries.