Lugo, Spain - Dutch rider Steven Kruijswijk has withdrawn from the Vuelta a Espana after suffering a broken collarbone in a crash during Wednesday's fifth stage, his Lotto NL team confirmed.
Kruijswijk "crashed into a metal pole in the last three kilometres and has broken his left collarbone, which means he has to abandon," said a team statement.
The 29-year-old had been seen as a contender to finish on the podium after coming fourth at this year's Giro d'Italia, in which he held the overall lead for several stages.
Didn't see that one coming... Disappointed to leave the @lavuelta already and a strong team behind me. Good luck boys!!????
— Steven Kruijswijk (@s_kruijswijk) August 24, 2016