Guardeño Airlifted to Intensive Care After Training Crash — Caja Rural Rider Collides With Car
Jaume Guardeño is in intensive care at the Hospital Parc Taulí in Sabadell after being airlifted from the scene of a serious training crash on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Caja Rural-Seguros RGA climber lost control of his bicycle after riding over a stone during a training ride near Barcelona and collided with an oncoming car, sustaining serious injuries including a significant head trauma.
The accident occurred just days after Guardeño had finished 29th overall at the Volta a Catalunya, where he had shown encouraging form on the mountainous stages through Catalonia. Emergency services responded quickly and the young Spaniard was transported by helicopter to the specialist trauma unit in Sabadell, where he remains under close observation in the ICU.
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA released a statement confirming the severity of the incident. "Jaume suffered a serious fall during a training ride on Wednesday afternoon," the team said. "He was attended to immediately by emergency services and airlifted to Hospital Parc Taulí in Sabadell, where he is being treated in the intensive care unit. The team is in constant contact with his family and the medical staff. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time."
The news has sent shockwaves through the peloton, where Guardeño had been establishing himself as one of Spain's most exciting young climbing talents. He finished a remarkable 14th overall at last year's Vuelta a España at just 22 years old, announcing himself on the Grand Tour stage with several aggressive performances in the high mountains. His 2026 season had been progressing well, with the Volta a Catalunya representing his latest step forward in a programme designed to peak for the Tour de France, where Caja Rural have been awarded a wildcard invitation.
The crash is a sobering reminder of the dangers riders face on open roads during training. Professional cyclists spend thousands of hours on public roads each year, and collisions with motor vehicles remain one of the greatest risks in the sport. The cycling community has rallied around Guardeño and his family, with messages of support flooding in from riders, teams and fans across social media.
Tadej Pogacar, who trained alongside Guardeño's compatriots during his own reconnaissance of the northern cobbles earlier this week, posted a brief message of solidarity, while Caja Rural team-mate Jefferson Cepeda wrote: "Stay strong, Jaume. The whole team is with you." The Spanish cycling federation has also offered its support to the rider's family.
Guardeño's condition is described as serious but stable. The hospital has not provided a detailed medical update beyond confirming that he is receiving treatment in the ICU. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the full extent of his injuries becomes clearer. The cycling world holds its breath and hopes for the best possible outcome for a rider whose talent and determination had marked him out as a future Grand Tour contender.