Geraint Thomas withdraws from Paris-Nice after crash
Geraint Thomas forced to pull out of Paris-Nice after crashing in final five kilometres of stage seven on Saturday
Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) has withdrawn from Paris-Nice after sustaining injuries as a result of a heavy fall in the final five kilometres of stage seven on Saturday.
Thomas had started the day in second place overall, just eight seconds behind leader Carlos Betancur (Ag2r). However, a crash near the finale of Saturday's penultimate stage saw him lose well over seven minutes on stage winner Tom-Jelte Slagter (Garmin-Sharp) and Betancur - his hopes of a podium placing dashed.
Thomas will now recuperate before taking to the start line of Milan-San Remo on March 23 and commencing his 2014 Spring Classics campaign.
Team Sky confirmed Thomas's withdrawal on Saturday evening, but had earlier issued a statement from the squad's doctor, Richard Usher saying that they would observe him overnight.
"Geraint’s got multiple bruises and abrasions but we’ve cleaned him up and he won’t need a trip to the hospital. He’s travelled back to the hotel with us this evening and we’ll monitor his situation closely overnight."
Tom-Jelte Slagter takes second Paris-Nice stage win as Geraint Thomas crashes out of top 10
Nasty crash in final 5km of Saturday's stage sees Geraint Thomas drop well out of top 10 overall
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