Following a collision with a support vehicle belonging to Tadej Pogacar’s UAE Team, the Colombian rider Einer Rubio has been forced to withdraw from the Tour de France. The Tour’s medical report states that the 28-year-old professional cyclist sustained facial injuries on the way to Alpe d’Huez and was taken for an X-ray.
“Following the accident he suffered whilst climbing Alpe d’Huez, Rubio had to have around 20 stitches in his face. The Colombian is being transferred to a hospital in Grenoble, where further tests will be carried out to assess the extent of his injuries,” his team, Movistar, announced.
Slammed on the brakes because of a fan?
About five kilometres from the finish line, Pogacar – who went on to win the stage – overtook Rubio and, shortly afterwards, his support vehicle as well. Shortly afterwards, the driver of the car had to slam on the brakes, and Rubio, who was riding behind, crashed into the car. According to reports, a fan had attempted to cross the road, which triggered the sudden braking.
It is estimated that around half a million spectators were lining the 13.8-kilometre-long final climb. The organisers had cordoned off large sections of the route with barriers; however, on both sides, these had only been put in place for the final few kilometres.
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