Sky's British champion Kennaugh withdraws from Tour de France

"We can confirm that Pete Kennaugh has sadly been forced to abandon," the team tweeted during the 16th stage, from Bourg-de-Peage to Gap, adding, "we'll have more details in our race report following stage 16".

The withdrawal, understood to be because of illness, is the latest blow for Team Sky, some of whose riders, including race leader Chris Froome, have been attacked verbally and physically on the road following speculation about doping.

Team principal Dave Brailsford said on Sunday that there should be greater security for the riders.