Bad news for INEOS Grenadiers, Laurens de Plus, the Belgian climber, broke his right hip during the crash in the 1st stage time trial of the Vuelta a España.
“After the crash in the opening stage of the Vuelta a España, Laurens De Plus was taken to a local hospital in Barcelona, accompanied by our team doctor,” the British team said on social media. “His right hip was examined multiple times.”
The hospital doctors reported that it was a non-displaced fracture, fortunately. “We are currently finalizing a treatment plan for Laurens. We expect a complete and speedy recovery. Get well soon, Laurens!”
The withdrawal of the Belgian rider is a loss for the British team, as he demonstrated his importance as a key member in supporting the leader Geraint Thomas during the Giro, where he finished in tenth place in the overall classification.