Cyclist Alberto Contador ruled out of Olympics

ByPA Sport

Published 12/07/2016 at 21:56 GMT

Spain's Alberto Contador has been ruled out of the Olympics because of the injuries which led to his withdrawal from the Tour de France.

Spain's Alberto Contador is out of the Olympics with injuries sustained during the Tour de France

Image credit: PA Sport

Spain's Alberto Contador has been ruled out of the Olympics because of the injuries which led to his withdrawal from the Tour de France.

Two-time Tour winner Contador abandoned the Tour on Sunday's ninth stage, having twice crashed in the opening two stages before struggling with illness.

Scans showed muscle tears in the calf and thigh in his left leg "which prevented him from pedalling normally" during the Tour, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

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Medics have told Contador to rest completely for two weeks and he will not take part in the Rio 2016 Olympics, where the road race takes place on August 6.

The Tinkoff rider may, however, contest the Vuelta a Espana.

Contador said: "I could have done a good race (at the Olympics), but things are as they come.

"On the other hand, it seems I'm in time to ride the Vuelta and that gives me encouragement."

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