Roglič is even sadder at the Tour, as the Slovenian left the race due to an injury
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
RODEZ, France, July 17 (Reuters) – Primož Roglič suffered more heart trouble at the Tour de France when he left the race on Sunday to recover from injuries sustained in a crash in the first week.
“In order for my injuries to heal properly, we decided that I will not start today,” Roglič said before the start of the 15th stage, the 202.5 km long ride to Carcassonne.
Roglič, who suffered a dislocated shoulder and back injury when he crashed in stage five, sacrificed his own chances this week with repeated attacks that ultimately allowed his team-mate Jonas Vingegaard to take the overall lead ahead of defending champion Tadej Pogačar .
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
“I am proud of my contribution to the current standings and I believe that the team will realize our yellow (jersey) and green (point classification jersey) ambitions,” added Roglič.
Roglič, one of the Tour’s favorites for the third year in a row, has now dropped out of the last two events after crashing out before the sixth stage last year after crashing in the third stage.
Two years ago, he led in the final time trial, but failed and lost first place to Pogacar.
Roglič may now focus on his recovery to take part in the Vuelta a Espana starting next month, hoping to become the first rider to win the race four times in a row.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Clare Fallon
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.