Van Aert Withdraws from Vuelta Following Crash, Soler Secures Stage Victory.

Cycling General

Van Aert Withdraws from Vuelta Following Crash, Soler Secures Stage Victory.

Green jersey holder Wout van Aert was forced to abandon the Vuelta a España after crashing on stage 16, while Spain's Marc Soler claimed victory on the challenging mountainous route.

UAE Team Emirates' Marc Soler secured his stage win, finishing 18 seconds ahead of Italy's Filippo Zana. 

In the general classification, leader Ben O'Connor narrowly maintained his lead over Primoz Roglic, now just 5 seconds ahead. British rider Max Poole took third place, close behind Zana.

Wout van Aert, who had won three stages in this year's Vuelta, had to abandon the race after crashing with about 48km left. Although he briefly continued after crashing into a hillside, he soon stopped again, holding his knee as his team provided assistance.