MARSEILLE, France, July 6, 2009 (AFP) – Quick Step rider Jurgen van de Walle on Monday became the first cyclist to withdraw from the 2009 Tour de France after suffering a broken collarbone on the second stage.

The 32-year-old was involved in a crash just under two kilometres from the finish of Sunday’s second, 187km-long stage between Monaco and Brignoles which left him with the broken collarbone and a damaged lung.

The Belgian finished the stage, but was taken straight to hospital in Marseille where he was kept in under observation.


Photo by: CorVos Pro