Movistar cyclist Einer Rubio has been forced to withdraw from the Tour de France after sustaining significant facial injuries during Stage 19. The Colombian rider collided with the rear windscreen of a UAE Team Emirates-XRG car, which had braked suddenly to avoid a spectator who ran into the road.
The incident occurred on the ascent to Alpe d'Huez. Video footage showed Rubio crashing face-first into the vehicle's back window, resulting in a bloody injury. He was immediately treated at the scene by medical personnel, receiving approximately 20 stitches for his facial wounds. Following initial treatment, Rubio was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Grenoble for further evaluation and was later discharged.
Rubio had been competing in 27th place in the general classification before the crash.
Joxean Fernandez, known as Matxin, the manager of UAE Team Emirates-XRG and the driver of the car involved, issued an apology while explaining the circumstances. He stated that the spectator suddenly appeared in front of his vehicle, prompting an immediate emergency brake to prevent a more serious tragedy. Fernandez emphasized that decisions in such high-pressure, split-second situations are made with the priority of protecting human life. He expressed deep regret for the consequences affecting Rubio and acknowledged that the safety of all participants also relies on responsible behavior from roadside spectators.
Former Tour de France champion Alberto Contador supported Fernandez's actions, suggesting that anyone in that situation would have reacted similarly. Contador also proposed that the organization should consider fencing the Alpe d'Huez climb to enhance safety for both riders and spectators, citing the large crowds present on the route.
This incident is not the only fan-related safety concern during this year's Tour. Earlier in the week, rider Richard Carapaz narrowly avoided a collision with a spectator who was taking a photograph.
In a separate development during Stage 19, Tadej Pogacar set a new record for the fastest ascent of Alpe d’Huez, completing the climb in 35 minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing Marco Pantani's 1995 record.