Tour de France contender Primoz Roglic has withdrawn from this year’s race after suffering injuries in a crash at the end of stage 12.
The 34-year-old Slovenian was one of the pre-race favourites but finished Thursday’s 204km stage from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot with a bloody right shoulder after the incident that occurred 10 kilometers from the finish line.
As a result of the accident, Roglic dropped from fourth to sixth in the general classification, losing two minutes and 27 seconds on the leaders.
In a statement, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe said Roglic would now focus on “next objectives.”
The team added: “Primoz Roglic was carefully examined by our medical team after yesterday’s stage and again this morning. The decision has been taken that he will not take part in the start (on Friday).
“We wish you a speedy recovery, Primoz.”
Stage 13 on Friday is a 165.3km ride from Agen to Pau.