Einer Rubio Abandons Tour de France After Car Crash

Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio was forced to abandon the 2026 Tour de France on July 24 after a high-speed collision with a support car on the famed Alpe d'Huez climb during Stage 19. The Movistar rider suffered facial injuries and was transported to a hospital, ending his participation in the race.

The incident occurred near the summit of Alpe d'Huez as Rubio, who had been part of a 42-rider breakaway, was riding alone. Video footage showed the 28-year-old striking the rear of a UAE Team EmiratesXRG team car that braked abruptly. Rubio collided headfirst with the vehicle's rear window, which shattered, and he fell to the ground. He received immediate treatment from race medical staff and was later taken to a hospital in Grenoble for further assessment.

According to a spokesperson for UAE Team EmiratesXRG, the car's sudden stop was necessary to avoid a spectator. "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 we wish Einer Rubio a speedy recovery," the spokesperson said. The section where the crash happened lacked barriers, and thousands of fans lined the narrow road, with many encroaching...