Medical update: Marlen Reusser escapes serious injuries in UAE Tour heavy crash

The UAE Tour Women 2026 held its second stage on Friday with Lorena Wiebes confirming herself as the overlord of mass sprints with a back-to-back stage victory. However much of the focus also fell on the potential consequences of Marlen Reusser’s heavy crash.

Stage 2 of the UAE Tour Women ended under tension after a multi-rider pile-up in the final kilometres. Among those caught up was Marlen Reusser, involved in a serious incident that left the peloton and fans holding their breath for a moment.

Despite the impact, the Swiss rider showed remarkable resilience, finished the stage, and crossed the line, a gesture widely appreciated by the bunch and supporters. The Swiss rider was among the favourites for the overall classification at the start of stage 1.

Afterwards, Movistar Team issued an initial medical update outlining her injuries. Reusser sustained an incised-contused wound to the left knee, lacerations to the fingers of her left hand, and trauma to the left shoulder. Her team camp confirmed she is conscious and responsive, though she will remain under observation and undergo further tests at a hospital to rule out complications.

This is an unplanned setback as the Swisswoman set out big goals for herself in 2026 with an attempt at a Grand Tour double with Vuelta a Espana Femenina and Tour de France femmes outlined as the main two targets of her season.

Fortunately, Reusser will have some time for recovery after UAE Tour as the next appointment on her calendar would be the Strade Bianche Donne a full month from now.