Belgian cyclist Kobe Goossens (Intermarché-Wanty-Circus) will not be at the start of the fifth stage of the Vuelta a España today. Goossens crashed yesterday in the final phase of the stage in Tarragona and is suffering from the aftermath of the fall.
Goossens was involved in the crash with 4 km to go in Tuesday’s stage, in which Wilco Kelderman (Jumbo-Visma), Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious), and Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) were also present.
His team, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, announced last night that Goossens did not suffer any fractures in the crash, but the Belgian was not able to continue in the competition today. “I woke up today, and the wound was still very deep. It’s causing a lot of issues. Of course, I’m a bit sad. Having to abandon again after four months of illness… It’s a pity, and mentally, it’s tough too,” he stated through his team.
“But it is what it is. Cycling can be a cruel sport at times. I’m heading home now to recover and then focus on other races. I wish the team all the success in the Vuelta.” Goossens is the third rider to withdraw from the Vuelta a España, following Laurens De Plus and Oscar Onley.