Einer Rubio Pulls Out of Tour de France 2026 After Crash at Alpe d’Huez: Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio was forced to withdraw from the Tour de France 2026 after suffering facial injuries in a heavy crash during Stage 19 on Friday (July 24). The Movistar Team rider collided with a UAE Team Emirates-XRG support vehicle while climbing the iconic Alpe d’Huez, bringing his race to a premature end.
Rubio, who was 27th in the general classification before the incident, crashed just a few kilometres from the summit finish. The accident occurred on a flatter section of the climb after the UAE team car came to an abrupt stop, with race footage capturing the dramatic collision.
📹 | Einer Rubio dice adiós al Tour de Francia tras chocar con el coche del UAE. Ha impactado con la luna trasera del vehículo tras un frenazo en la ascensión a Alpe d’Huez. Aunque se descartan lesiones graves, el corredor ha sufrido varios cortes https://t.co/PPc5Z3F7wi pic.twitter.com/4LLq4jUMsn
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) July 24, 2026
Why Did Einer Rubio Withdraw from the Tour de France?
According to Movistar Team, Rubio suffered significant facial injuries in the crash and required around 20 stitches. The Colombian was unable to continue the stage and was officially withdrawn from the race, ending his Tour de France campaign in unfortunate fashion.
The 28-year-old had been enjoying a solid race and was among the top 30 riders in the overall standings before the incident occurred on one of the Tour’s most famous mountain climbs.
“Einer Rubio has had around 20 stitches in his face following the accident he suffered whilst climbing Alpe d’Huez,” Movistar said in a statement on X.
“A spectator fell forward directly into the path of the car. The car braked to avoid the collision. It was a very unfortunate incident and something nobody wants to see. We wish Einer Rubio a speedy recovery,” a UAE Team Emirates-XRG spokesperson said.
What Caused the Crash?
A spokesperson for UAE Team Emirates-XRG explained that a spectator unexpectedly fell into the road, forcing the support vehicle to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. Rubio, riding closely behind, was unable to avoid the stationary vehicle and crashed into its rear at speed.
The team described the incident as an unfortunate accident and extended its best wishes to Rubio for a speedy recovery following the frightening crash.
Video footage of the incident quickly circulated on social media, showing Rubio colliding with the UAE Team Emirates-XRG support vehicle during the climb to Alpe d’Huez. The crash led to his immediate withdrawal from Stage 19, while Tadej Pogacar went on to claim victory at the summit finish.
