VALVERDE CRASHES OUT OF TOUR
Spain's Alejandro Valverde crashed out of the Tour de France 15kms from the end of stage three on Tuesday after breaking his collarbone in a fall.
The Caisse d'Epargne rider went down hard on his right shoulder after tangling with other riders on a straight section of road.
The other riders involved in the incident were unhurt and rejoined the race, but the ProTour leader was left on the floor clutching his shoulder. Tour doctor Gerard Porte diagnosed a broken collarbone and Valverde was taken to hospital.
After the forced withdrawal of Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso due to the doping investigation in Spain, Valverde was one of the favourites for overall victory but - just like last year when he pulled out with tendinitis on stage 13 - his Tour is over before it had really began.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.