Archie Ryan (EF Education-EasyPost) was putting together a storming Grand Tour debut at La Vuelta, but now the Irish rider will play no further part in the race after being forced to withdraw with injury.
The 23-year-old from Co Wicklow went on the attack on three stages of the race and took his best result of the race - arguably the best of his career - in claiming 4th on Tuesday's stage 10 to El Ferial Larra Belagua.
However, he trailed home in 162nd on yesterday's stage 12, some 18:24 down on winner Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), and last man across the line. That result, completely at odds with the way he had ridden in the first half of the race, came as he struggled from early yesterday, including looking like he was being dropped on the first climb of the day.
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Ryan has been diagnosed to an injury to one of his glutes - the muscle in the buttocks - and it was unclear how long his recovery will take and whether he will win his race for fitness in time for the UCI World Road Championships in Rwanda at the end of the month.
"Archie Ryan will not start stage 13 of La Vuelta today due to muscular strain in his right glute," EF Education-EasyPost said. "Archie will return home to prevent further injury. Join us in wishing Archie well."
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A Worlds appearance for Team Ireland aside, the fact Ryan has had to withdraw from the race and go home to recover is a big setback, especially considering his form. As well as finishing 4th on stage 10, he was also in the breakaway on stage 6, finishing 9th.
Ryan had been in the breakaway on stage 9, and though it was caught long before the finish, he had put in a very strong shift.
In total, over the three stages where he had gone on the attack in the main breakaway of the day, he had been up the road for over 360km. His withdrawal also comes as the reach is about to take on some brutally hard climbs, including today's summit finish of L'Angliru.
Ryan is the second EF Education-EasyPost rider to withdraw from the race in as many days, with Colombian Esteban Chaves abandoning during yesterday's stage. The team has said he was out due to fatigue.
More to come shortly.
