The cycling community is sending its support to former Spanish professional rider Julen Zubero after he was seriously injured in a road incident on Tuesday 16 June 2026 in Zeberio, in Spain’s Basque Country.
According to local reports, the 44-year-old was struck head-on by a vehicle while riding on the BI-3524 road near the Orue mountain area. Emergency services responded to the scene and, due to the severity of his injuries, Zubero was airlifted to Cruces University Hospital in Biscay. Reports indicated that he suffered multiple serious injuries, although the full extent of his condition had not been disclosed as of Wednesday.
The son of legendary Spanish racer Luis Zubero, Julen enjoyed a successful professional road career during the 2000s, racing for teams including Euskaltel-Euskadi and recording victories and strong stage-race performances across Europe.
After leaving the professional ranks, he turned his attention to the amateur scene, racing in MTB and gravel events. Despite being in his 40s, he continues to compete at an elite level in the UCI Gravel World Series and UCI Gravel World Championships, lining up against current WorldTour professionals and riders less than half his age.
Away from competition, Zubero is well known in the Basque cycling community through the family-run Ciclos Zubero bicycle business in Bilbao. News of the crash quickly spread through Spanish cycling circles, with riders and fans expressing their hopes for a full recovery.
Gran Fondo Daily News joins the cycling community in wishing Julen a successful recovery and return to health.
Photo Credit: UCI Gravel World Championships – Veneto, Italy
© 2026 Copyright Gran Fondo Daily News – All Rights Reserved