Samuel Sanchez out of Vuelta a España after time trial crash (video)
Spaniard Samuel Sanchez diagnosed with dislocated shoulder after crashing during the Vuelta a España time trial on Friday
Samuel Sanchez (BMC) has been forced to withdraw from the 2016 Vuelta a España after dislocating his shoulder as a result of crashing during the stage 19 time trial.
Sanchez had started the day in seventh position overall, and was looking like he would move up the GC after posting top 10 times at the first and second time checks.
Disaster struck for the Spaniard with just 7km to go on the stage, as he spectacularly slid out on a corner at high speed, landing heavily on his side.
>>> Five talking points from stage 19 of the Vuelta a España
Remarkably, Sanchez remounted his bike and rode to the finish. He was then taken immediately to hospital.
“I had a brutal crash with 7km to go in a corner to right," Sanchez said in a team statement.
"I was doing a good TT and I think I was able to finish it in the top 5 or 6 and gain some GC positions. Right now the physical pain is nothing compared to my soul. I am only two days from the final and we did a big sacrifice to be here fighting with the best riders.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I know this is sport and cycling but it's hard to accept it now. The important thing is I haven't broken anything even if my right shoulder is dislocated. I hope to recover fast and give my best in this final of season in the Italian races in October.”
It's a second blow for BMC, who lost Tejay van Garderen from its Vuelta squad on stage 17 when the American withdrew due to fatigue.
The squad's highest-ranked rider is now Ben Hermans, in 14th place overall and 13-18 behind race leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar). The squad were also leading the team classification prior to Sanchez's withdrawal.
The Vuelta a España continues on Saturday with the final mountain stage, before the race finale in Madrid on Sunday. Quintana leads time trial winner Chris Froome (Sky) by 1-21 in the general classification.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Chinese X-Lab vies for global domination as it equips XDS Astana with bikes for the WorldTour
A new partnership sees Astana aboard new bikes with increased funding for 2025
By Joe Baker Published
-
Tech of the week: Van Rysel releases an aero bike (quelle surprise!) plus a superlight carbon crankset from FSA, a long top tube bag from Tailfin and tyre liners from Zefal
The RCR-F aero bike will be ridden by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team in 2025, but will it create headlines like the RCR?
By Luke Friend Published
-
'It was a total surprise': Samuel Sanchez insists he has a 'clear conscience' after positive test
Samuel Sanchez has expressed his "surprise" at being informed that he had failed a doping test in the build-up to the Vuelta a España.
By Henry Robertshaw Published
-
Former Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez tests positive for growth hormone
BMC rider Samuel Sanchez was notified by the UCI about an Adverse Analytical Finding from and out-of-competition test in August
By Richard Windsor Published
-
Samuel Sanchez turns back the clock to win Tour of the Basque Country stage four
Hilly stage of Tour of the Basque Country provides plenty of action as Wilco Kelderman takes overall lead from Sky's Mikel Landa
By Nigel Wynn Published
-
Samuel Sanchez signs to BMC Racing Team
2008 Olympic Road Race champion Samuel Sanchez handed contract at American BMC Racing Team for 2014
By Nigel Wynn Published