Jay Vine (Alpecin-Deceuninck) has abandoned the Vuelta a España after crashing in the opening kilometres of stage 18 to the Alto de Piornal. He was leading the king of the mountains classification after his stage victories at Pico Jano and Colláu Fancuaya in the first week.
The Australian was one of a number of riders to come down in a crash shortly after the start of the stage, and his abandon was confirmed shortly afterwards on race radio. Vine was among the favourites for victory on Thursday’s category 1 finale on the Alto de Piornal.
Vine looked set to the king of the mountains competition thanks to his brace of victories in the opening week and his targeting of points in the days since. The 26-year-old had almost double the points haul of second-placed Richard Carapaz (Ineos) before the start of stage 18.
Alpecin-Deceuninck confirmed after the stage that Vine had been taken to hospital, where a scan did not reveal any fractures. "He sustained cuts and abrasions, but no fractures were found during a check-up in the hospital," read a statement. "He will return home tomorrow [Friday - ed.]"
Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos) also came down in the same crash as Vine, sustaining cuts to his left side and back, but he remains in the race after receiving treatment from the medical car. The Spanish champion lies fourth overall, 5:20 off Remco Evenepoel’s maillot rojo and 29 seconds off third-placed Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates).
Green jersey Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) was another of the fallers in the multiple-rider crash, but the Dane was able rejoin the race after the incident.
