Rigoberto Urán (EF Education First) and Nicolas Roche (Team Sunweb) were involved in a massive crash with less than 90km remaining in stage 6 and abandoned the Vuelta a España. The extent of his injuries is unknown.

Uran, the team's main GC hope, entered stage 6 in sixth place overall, 59 seconds behind race leader Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana).

The Colombian finished seventh in this year's Tour de France and the 2018 Vuelta a España. He has previously abandoned the 2018 Tour and the 2014 Vuelta.

It was a nightmare for EF Education First, which also lost Hugh Carthy, who was impressive in Wednesday's summit finish.

The team said, "Rigoberto Urán and Hugh Carthy have abandoned @lavuelta due to a major crash on stage 6. They are currently on their way to the hospital, where they are undergoing further medical evaluation. More details will be announced as soon as possible."

Uran and Carty were not the only ones forced out of the race, as several riders from other teams hit the deck in the crash. Roche, who led the race until Wednesday, had to leave the race after rejoining and visiting the medical car.

Victor de la Parte of the CCC team, who was 13th overall just after the start, became the fourth person to abandon the race shortly thereafter.