Marbella cyclist awaits fitness decision for La Vuelta a España

COFIDIS Team rider Luis Ángel Maté will hear today (Thursday 22nd August) whether he will be passed fit to compete in the 2019 Vuelta a España after a serious crash in the Tour of Poland two weeks ago.

Maté fell during the first stage of the tour leaving him with 50 stitches to a wound to his head and severe haemorrhaging. Despite the huge loss of blood and the severity of the injury he escaped any lasting consequences or serious damage.

“I have lost a lot of blood, which is what has prevented me from doing well. The important thing is that I do not have any serious head injury, which was the main thing, in that sense I am very happy,” he says.

Maté understands that he will not be at full fitness to the tour as he has hardly been able to train and has been very tired.

The rider from Marbella will undergo final tests from the team doctor today to determine whether he will be able to take part in the event.