Uijtdebroeks withdraws from the Vuelta

Cian Uijtdebroeks has withdrawn from the 2026 Vuelta a España due to the consequences of a fall. The 23-year-old Belgian from Movistar Team will not start the fifth stage. Medical tests have confirmed a much more serious ankle fracture than initially estimated.

The rider was involved in a serious accident during the second stage of the Spanish race. Despite the severe pain, Uijtdebroeks tried to grit his teeth in the following days. In the fourth stage, on the slopes of Andorra, the Belgian crossed the finish line last in tears, exhausted by the pain and over 26 minutes behind winner Tadej Pogačar.

A few hours later, Movistar's medical staff opted for an immediate stop in order to preserve the boy's health and begin his rehabilitation process immediately.

A 2026 to forget

The Vuelta's withdrawal represents the second painful withdrawal from a Grand Tour in this troubled season. Just a few weeks ago, the Belgian talent was forced to leave the Tour de France early during the sixth stage. In France, a high fever and intestinal problems had stopped him on the Col du Tourmalet. Arriving in Spain with high ambitions in the overall standings after his winter transfer from Visma | Lease a Bike, Uijtdebroeks thus ends an unlucky year, postponing redemption until next year.