Cycling news - Jumbo-Visma Primoz Roglic abandons Tour de France after wretched Stage 8 and early falls

Updated 04/07/2021 at 15:01 GMT

After two heavy falls in the first three stages of the Tour de France, and a desperately disappointing showing in stage 8 in the Alps, Jumbo-Visma's pre-race favourite Primoz Roglic has elected to withdraw early from the 2021 edition of the Tour in order to refocus on future competitions, potentially including the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Highlights: Catch up with everything from a barnstorming Stage 8 at the Tour de France

Primoz Roglic has quit the Tour de France after a start to the competition that was beset by problems.

Roglic is not the only big-name rider to suffer at the Tour, with Geraint Thomas the latest rider to explain how tough he was finding the physical and mental strains after a huge crash on stage 3 and an exhausting stage 8.

Jumbo-Visma rider Roglic also had a miserable stage 8 on Saturday when he finished a place behind Thomas in 175th, more than 35 minutes off the pace. As a result he will not take part in any more stages in France.

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Roglic suffered two heavy falls in the first three stages of the Tour, though he had no broken bones. The physical toll has nevertheless prevented from competing at the top end of an event he was considered one of the favourites for.

“We took the decision altogether with the team, it doesn’t make sense to continue the way it was going at the end,” Roglic explained on Twitter.

“Now we’ll definitely try to recover and focus on the new goals.”

He continued: “It doesn't make sense to continue.

“I’m definitely disappointed, I didn't plan this to be the way it is and you have to accept it. I have to go on with this decision. I have to be optimistic, look to the future and new goals.”

Roglic remains likely to compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games. As for Jumbo-Visma, they may still hope for a podium finish from fifth-placed Jonas Vingegaard.