Cian Uijtdebroeks’ Vuelta suffering ends as Movistar confirms injury worse than first thought

Uijtdebroeks had survived the time cut on Tuesday after spending almost the entire mountainous fourth stage at the back of the race, but his Vuelta has now come to an end.

Movistar announced on Wednesday morning that the 23-year-old would not take the start of stage five.

“Following further tests and examinations, it has been determined that the injury sustained in his crash during the second stage is more extensive than initially estimated,” the team stated on social media.

“The team has decided that Cian will withdraw from the race so that he can begin his recovery as soon as possible.”

It brings an end to a painful few days for Uijtdebroeks, who crashed during stage two and continued despite suffering significant discomfort in his left ankle.

Initial examinations had revealed a small fracture, but doctors had given him permission to continue racing. Uijtdebroeks admitted ahead of Tuesday’s stage that even walking remained difficult and that standing on the pedals caused considerable pain.

The consequences became impossible to ignore in Andorra.

On roads where Uijtdebroeks normally lives and trains, he was dropped early and spent much of the 104.8 kilometre stage riding alone. He eventually crossed the line in last place, 26 minutes and 11 seconds behind stage winner Tadej Pogačar.

A change to the stage classification meant the time limit was increased from 16 to 20 percent, allowing Uijtdebroeks and seven other riders to remain in the race.

But reaching the finish had clearly taken an enormous toll.

Uijtdebroeks burst into tears after crossing the line and was immediately surrounded by Movistar staff.

“I can’t feel the pain anymore,” he said.

Movistar praised his determination afterwards, telling the Belgian that the team was proud of the way he had fought through what it described as a very difficult year.

Less than 24 hours later, however, the decision has been made to stop.

The withdrawal is another setback in what has become a frustrating season for Uijtdebroeks.

The Belgian had arrived at the Vuelta hoping to reset after his Tour de France ended prematurely through illness.

He suffered from a bacterial stomach infection during the Tour and later revealed that his fever had reached 40°C. His recovery took longer than initially hoped and required several medical checks before he was cleared to resume more intensive training.

That made the Vuelta his next major objective.

Tuesday’s stage through Andorra turned out to be his last.

After battling to make the finish within the time limit, Uijtdebroeks will leave the Vuelta and focus on his recovery.