A devastating crash derails a champion's dreams – and it’s not just the bike that’s shattered. General Classification hopeful Marlen Reusser of Movistar has been forced to withdraw from the UAE Tour Women after a high-speed crash during stage 2 left her with injuries requiring stitches. But here’s where it gets even more dramatic: despite finishing the stage, Reusser’s wounds—cuts and lacerations to her knee and hand—proved too severe for her to continue racing on Saturday.
Reusser, a pre-race favorite for the overall title, went down in the chaotic sprint finish on Friday, a moment that could have ended far worse. Remarkably, all riders completed stage 2, though only two others—Auke De Buysser (EF Education-Oatly) and Irma Siri (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo)—failed to start stage 3. Reusser herself acknowledged the crash’s relatively forgiving outcome, but the damage was done. “I will now have to let my wounds heal before returning to training,” she shared, adding that her focus remains on Strade Bianche in a month’s time.
And this is the part most people miss: while Reusser had previously hinted that the UAE Tour’s GC showdown might come “too soon” in her early season, she was still expected to be a major contender. Her absence leaves Movistar without a top climber for Sunday’s decisive stage, though riders like Floortje Mackaij and Arlenis Sierra could step up to chase results.
Controversially, Reusser’s withdrawal could significantly shift the race dynamics, potentially favoring defending champion Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), who is aiming for a third UAE title. Does this give Longo Borghini an unfair advantage, or is it simply the nature of the sport? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The UAE Tour Women presses on, with another sprint stage expected on Saturday before the GC finale on Jebel Hafeet on Sunday. As the race unfolds, one thing is clear: Reusser’s absence leaves a void that will be felt by both her team and her rivals.
About the Author: Matilda, an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK, joined Cyclingnews in March 2025. With a background as Racing News Editor at GCN and extensive freelance work for publications like Cycling Weekly, Velo, and Red Bull, she brings unparalleled expertise in women’s cycling and sport. Her reporting credits include major events like the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France Femmes, and Paris-Roubaix. A graduate in modern languages and sports journalism, Matilda’s insights are both informed and engaging.
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