MADRID, Spain — Race favourite Nairo Quintana pulled out of the Spanish Vuelta on Wednesday after fracturing his right shoulder in a crash in the 11th stage.
Movistar team director Jose Luis Arrieta said X-rays showed Quintana’s shoulder blade was broken and needed surgery. It was the Colombian’s second crash in two days.
Quintana was taken to the hospital in an ambulance shortly after the crash and appeared to be in pain.
The Giro d’Italia winner also crashed in Tuesday’s individual time-trial after hitting a guard rail and flipping over before slamming onto the road.
After that crash, Quintana said his bike had not braked as he had anticipated.
The 24-year-old Colombian started the hilly 11th stage saying his ankle and hip hurt.
Quintana was 11th overall behind race leader Alberto Contador at the beginning of the stage.