Rubio pulls out of Tour after Alpe d'Huez crash

Colombian Einer Rubio has withdrawn from the ​Tour de France after suffering facial injuries ‌in a heavy crash on the climb to Alpe d'Huez during Stage 19 on Friday, when ​he collided with a UAE Team Emirates-XRG ​support vehicle.

Movistar's Rubio, 27th in the overall ⁠standings, was forced to abandon the stage ​a few kilometres from the summit finish, ​where Tadej Pogacar claimed victory.

"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.

Video footage showed the 28-year-old ‌Rubio ⁠crashing at speed into the back of a UAE team vehicle which had come to a sudden stop on a flatter section ​of the ​course.

"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.