Driver of Itzulia Basque Country race doctor's car expelled from race for causing Mikel Landa stage 2 crash

Mikel Landa was forced to abandon the Itzulia Basque Country race after a crash caused by the race doctor's car during stage 2. The incident occurred on a narrow, high-speed descent of the San Miguel de Aralar climb when Landa collided with the vehicle, resulting in a heavy fall. Although initially able to continue, Landa was visibly injured and ultimately withdrew from the race following medical checks that ruled out fractures but revealed significant bruising and road rash. The UCI took swift action against the driver of the race doctor’s car, expelling him from the event and imposing a 500 Swiss Franc fine. The driver had initially received a yellow card before the decision to remove him from the race. The move underscores the governing body's commitment to rider safety, especially given the unusual circumstances of a medical vehicle interfering with the peloton during a critical moment of the race. Landa’s team, Soudal-QuickStep, expressed strong criticism of the incident, highlighting the inexplicable decision by the race doctor’s car to overtake riders in a dangerous section of the course. Team CEO Jurgen Foré described the situation as incomprehensible and lamented the impact on their rider, who has been plagued by crashes throughout his career. Landa’s misfortune at Itzulia follows a series of serious accidents, including a major crash at last year’s Giro d’Italia and a collarbone break in the 2024 edition of the same race. The crash not only affected Landa but also raised broader concerns about race safety protocols. Later in the same stage, a spectator was reportedly hit by a race motorbike, further highlighting the risks faced by riders and those involved in the event. The incident has sparked debate over the management of vehicles on the course and the need for stricter controls to prevent similar accidents in the future.