Sergio Higuita taken to hospital after Itzulia crash as XDS Astana dealt major blow

The XDS Astana Team were dealt a major setback during Stage 4 of Itzulia Basque Country 2026 as Sergio Higuita was forced to abandon following a crash, with the Colombian later taken to the hospital for further checks.

Higuita’s race came to an abrupt end on a rolling stage when he was unable to continue after the incident. He was seen sitting on the tarmac in visible pain, with clear abrasions on his left arm, a worrying sight for both his team and Colombian fans.

The Kazakh outfit later confirmed that the 28-year-old had been transported to the hospital to assess a possible elbow injury. “Unfortunately, after the crash in the peloton, Sergio Higuita was forced to abandon the race. He is okay, but was taken to hospital to check his elbow,” the team stated.

The withdrawal represents a significant blow for XDS Astana Team, losing one of their key riders for hilly terrain at a crucial point in the race, with the full extent of his injuries still to be determined.

There was at least some positive news for the team, with Harold Tejada delivering a strong ride to finish fifteenth on the stage. The rider from Huila emerged as the best Colombian performer of the day, showing solid form on a demanding parcours that heavily reduced the group of contenders.

With Higuita now out of the race, leadership responsibilities fall firmly onto Tejada for the remaining stages. He will be expected to step up and carry the team’s ambitions into the decisive days of a race that continues to test even the strongest riders.