Cian Uijtdebroeks's suffering through the Vuelta a Espana ends with a positive COVID test ahead of the 15th stage
CyclingSunday, 01 September 2024 at 10:30
Visma | Lease a Bike are not having the Vuelta a Espana they had hoped for. Sure, Wout Van Aert has won three stages, but the GC leaders Sepp Kuss and Cian Uijtdebroeks were so far behind expections.
The defending champion Kuss is currently 15th overall and even a top-10 will be tough case to crack. Meanwhile his young Belgian teammate had been fighting more with himself than the brutal Spanish climbs as he had already fallen through the GC ranks in the previous stages.
"I ride as hard as I can, but I still have a numb feeling in my legs and everything just blocks. We have often said that it could be due to fatigue or 'this or that', but it can't be that it keeps coming back," Uijtdebroeks wondered about his health condition earlier in the race.
And now it becomes a bit clearer what was behind Uijtdebroeks' underperformance as the 21-year-old abandoned the race just ahead of the queen stage of the second week with finish on Cuitu Negre. The Belgian rider tested positive for COVID and quite logically won't continue in the race onwards.
"Unfortunately, we have to announce that Cian Uijtdebroeks has to withdraw from La Vuelta due to a Covid infection. We wish Cian a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Cian!" the team informed on social media.
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- however you frame it, it seems that they asked more from Ayuso (who obviously did not deliver the needed support) than they are asking from del Torro ... who - according to this quote - just needs to show up and can then ride however he likes.Ketterechts08-01-2026
- I agree that Ayuso was wrong in doing what he did at the tour, but we don't know everything behind the feud unless they all say honestly what went wrong. If he us such a rat and traitor, which it's a bit harsh, then what is to be said about Soler when he was with Movistar and didn't want to ride for Mas? I was disappointed, yes, but realize riders also have goals, and right now, UAE is all about their golden boy.Colnago-fan08-01-2026
- Yes, still sad though, that he's retiring. Anyway, best wishes for his new chaptermhfrvz08-01-2026
- has he been pushed out by the team ?
ChillingCyclist08-01-2026 - Jesus was crusified at age 33. Go out BIG, not like Froome; a good cyclist but people are now laughing and making fun of Froomey. He just doesn't know when to quit. I understand Simon Yates. Who still remembers, Pogi the GOAT also talked about retiring early? He had enough of the BS that comes with professional sports, especially cycling.NikkoNicco08-01-2026
- I think the regret is greater for Cian than JV.mij08-01-2026
- Ayuso was a rat...a traitor. Lidli Trek will get rid of him in the next two years. Once a traitor, always a traitor. He betrayed his UAE team and Pogacar.NikkoNicco08-01-2026
- Jesus was also crusified at age 33. Go out BIG, not like Froome; a good cyclist but people are now laughing and making fun of him. He just doesn't know when to quit. I understand Simon Yates. Who still remembers, Pogi the GOAT also talked about retiring early? He had enough of the BS that comes with professional sports, especially cycling.NikkoNicco08-01-2026
- Quite a surprise, he's been a model Pro and as a nasty Brit I'm rather proud of what he's achieved. I sat watching, absolutely gutted for him on the Finnestre in 2018 but for many of us what he did this year was unexpected but brilliant (despite rooting for Isaac). Chapeau Simon, thanks for giving us something to cheer for, have a great retirementslappers6608-01-2026
- Nordhagen? develop this young talent.
maria2024202408-01-2026
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🇪🇸 #LaVuelta24 We are sad to communicate that Cian Uijtdebroeks will have to withdraw from La Vuelta due to a Covid infection. We wish Cian a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Cian!
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