Movistar's Einer Rubio crashes into support car at Tour de France, abandons race

Published Jul 24, 10:42 PM UTC

Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio (28) of team Movistar suffered a severe crash during Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France on the Alpe d'Huez climb, five kilometers from the finish. Rubio crashed into the back of a UAE Team Emirates support vehicle after it braked suddenly to avoid a spectator who fell onto the road. Rubio sustained multiple facial lacerations requiring 20 stitches but no fractures, and was released from hospital that evening. The incident occurred as superstar Tadej Pogacar overtook Rubio during his attack, later winning the stage and setting a new record time on the climb. Rubio, who was 27th overall, had to abandon the race. The support vehicle drove on, apparently unaware of the crash.

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