Uijtdebroeks withdraws from the Tour de France

Movistar 's hopes of playing a leading role in the 2026 Tour de France general classification were dashed on the first mountain stage. Their leader, Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks , abandoned the race during the sixth stage.

Uijtdebroeks had chosen the Spanish team this season, leaving Visma-Lease a Bike, and had shown up at the start in Barcelona as the designated leader, supported by a very respectable team: Einer Rubio , Raúl García Pierna and Pablo Castrillo were among the domestiques called to support him.

The Tour, however, hadn't started well for the young Belgian: already in the opening team time trial, he had been dropped on the final climb, losing further ground in the following stages. Before his retirement, Uijtdebroeks was 23rd in the general classification, a full 11 minutes and 17 seconds behind the yellow jersey.

Movistar had already anticipated that the rider was battling gastrointestinal problems and fever . Ultimately, his precarious physical condition forced him to surrender. Uijtdebroeks lost contact with the group with just 77 km to go , on the first climb of the day, the Col d'Aspin . His withdrawal was then made official as the leaders crossed the top of the Col du Tourmalet , about 50 km later.

Fantacycling: Uijtdebroeks' departure is heavy news for those who had lined him up as a key contender for the general classification. : Einer Rubio could be promoted to virtual captain of the Spanish team, but the real impact will be on the decisions of those seeking points from the GC big boys.