David de la Cruz abandons Vuelta a Espana with gastroenteritis

David de la Cruz has been quietly impressive so far at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana, entering the second rest day 11th overall in the general classification. Sadly for the Spaniard however, his race will go no further.

"Unfortunately, due to gastroenteritis and fever during the rest day, David de la Cruz won't be at the start today," a pre-stage 16 announcement from the official X (Twitter) account of the Astana Qazaqstan Team has revealed. "We wish David a very speed recovery."

PREVIEW | Vuelta a Espana 2023 stage 16 - Sepp Kuss has lead tested in another tough summit finish

As mentioned, the 34-year-old former Vuelta a Espana stage winner had been displaying some of his best Grand Tour legs in years at this edition of the race and his departure will come as a blow for the Astana Qazaqstan Team.

With just five stages remaining, the likes of Luis Leon Sanchez, Joe Dombrowski, Fabio Felline and the rest of the team will now be under pressure to ensure the team leave Spain with some form of success under their belts.

"Mechanical doping? Yes, mechanical!" - Jérôme Pineau makes sensational Jumbo-Visma accusation

🇪🇸MEDICAL UPDATE: @lavuelta

Unfortunately, due to gastroenteritis and fever during the rest day, @iamdlax won’t be able to start today.
We wish David a very speed recovery.#LaVuelta23 #AstanaQazaqstanTeam
— Astana Qazaqstan Team (@AstanaQazTeam) September 12, 2023