Cian Uijtdebroeks managed to keep up with the overall classification’s leading cyclists once again on Saturday during the second stage in the Pyrenees of the Vuelta a España. However, the day didn’t go well for the 20-year-old Belgian from BORA-Hansgrohe. “We have to manage the pain in the saddle,” he told the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad after the stage.
Uijtdebroeks, currently ninth in the overall standings, has been battling gluteal region pain for several days. The climber also didn’t feel comfortable on the bike during the 14th stage to Larra-Belagua. “On the first descent of the day, the road surface certainly wasn’t perfect, and then, of course, it hurts even more because you’re up and down on the bike. That was very painful.”
“On the last descent, the pain in the gluteal region improved a bit because the road surface was better,” said Uijtdebroeks, who managed to distinguish himself once again on the climb. “The legs were really great and smooth, even on the final ascent. It was a good day, but we need to manage the pain in the saddle,” he said.