A thrilling yet terrifying crash at over 100kph during the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia has left Soudal-QuickStep's Laurenz Rex with three fractures in his back. The incident occurred during the rapid, steep descent towards the final climb up to Bir Jaydah Mountain, with three riders, including Rex, Fabien Grellier (TotalEnergies), and Davide Stella (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), coming down in a chilling 106kph downhill crash. Miraculously, Rex remounted his bike and continued the race, finishing the third stage as the penultimate rider out on the course, more than 13 minutes behind the stage winner, Yannis Voisard (Tudor).
Soudal-QuickStep provided a detailed update on Rex's condition, revealing that the 2026 Classics hopeful will have to postpone his goals. Signed from Intermarché-Wanty on a three-year deal, Rex was set to play a key role in the team's Classics strategy. However, the crash has forced him to push his goals back for later in the year.
Despite the setback, Rex expressed his gratitude to the team's doctor, the race's medical staff, and everyone at the hospital for their care and support. He also thanked his fans and well-wishers for their messages and good wishes, which he found very special. James Moultrie, a gold-standard NCTJ journalist and former Eurosport contributor, covered the incident, highlighting the resilience of the riders and the importance of medical support in such high-speed crashes.
