Defending champion Vader has to abandon his last race for Visma | Lease a Bike after crash in Tour of Guangxi

Defending champion Milan Vader was at the start of the Tour of Guangxi. The Dutch climber was supposed to ride his last race in China for Visma | Lease a Bike, but after a crash in the third stage, he was forced to abandon the race. Thus, the last adventure with his team ends on a sad note.

Early in the third stage, a hill stage to Bama, Vader crashed. The consequences of the crash were so severe that he could not get back on his bike. He had fallen on his knee and was suffering considerably, his team reported on X. "Unfortunately, Milan was involved in the fall early in the race and had to get off with an injured knee. More information will come later. We wish you a speedy recovery, Milan!" The Dutchman was not the only one who had to abandon the race. Favorite Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers) also dropped out.

Leaving the Tour of Guangxi is a double disappointment for Vader. Last year, the ex-mountain biker was the best in the Chinese WorldTour race. He won the queen stage to Nongla by staying ahead of Rémy Rochas (Cofidis) and consolidated his lead in the final stages to secure the overall victory. For him, the stage and final wins are still the only victories of his professional career.

Father leaves for Q36.5 Pro Cycling

Thus, the rider of Visma | Lease a Bike cannot defend his title, but the exit is unpleasant because he was working on his last race with his employer. He will move to Q36.5 Pro Cycling. There, he will be able to pursue his success more. "I am motivated to join the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. If you look at the team and there is a forward movement, the equipment looks great and professional."