Update: Dislocated shoulder for Julian Alaphilippe, fracture appears to have been avoided at Vuelta crash

The 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana was meant to be a calm day for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team as the sprinters took over the responsibility over a pan-flat day, but it hasn't worked quite that way as the team lost another important support piece in Julian Alaphilippe.

The Frenchman crashed with 63 kilometers to go, apparently alone, and has seemed to be in distress regardingone of his shoulders. The World champion has abandoned the race and will not be able to further support Remco Evenepoel, following the abandon of Pieter Serry due to Covid-19.

"Those examinations have revealed that Julian Alaphilippe has dislocated his right shoulder, while X-rays have shown there is no fracture," the team announced later today. The Frenchman is traveling back to Belgium for further examinations, but the worst seems to have been avoided.

Outside of the Vuelta, the Frenchman had been building up form towards the World Championships. Whilst the abandon comes as another obstacle, he should be able to resume training and competition if the final exams confirm the lack of a fracture.