Switzerland - Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara decided to withdraw from his last Tour de France and focus on the Rio Olympic Games kicking off on Aug. 5.
The 35-year-old became the second big name rider to quit the race in two days after British sprinter Mark Cavendish withdrew on Tuesday to focus on his bid for a first Olympic medal.
“This was not an easy decision to take, but I feel it is the right one,” said the Trek rider in a statement. “I don't like withdrawing from a race, especially not when our GC leader (Bauke Mollema) is in second place at four days from Paris.
“With some really hard stages ahead of us my support would naturally be more limited so we took the decision together to withdraw. It was a hard Tour for me - a lot of stress and I feel tired. If I want to be good at the Olympics I need rest.” he said.
Xinhua