Three-time Vuelta a Espana winner Primoz Roglic has been forced to pull out of this year's race after taking a heavy fall in stage 16.
The defending general classification champion sought to make up ground on current leader Remco Evenepoel of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl during the 188.9km ride from Sanlucar de Barrameda to Tomares on Tuesday.
The door was opened for Roglic to close the gap following a late puncture to Evenepoel, but the Slovenian then suffered a collision of handlebars with Britain's Fred Wright and tumbled over in the final 100m.
Team Jumbo-Visma have now confirmed that Roglic - who sustained cuts and grazes in the incident - will be forced to relinquish his pursuit of a fourth successive red jersey.
"Unfortunately, @rogla will not be at the start of stage 17 as a consequence of yesterday's crash," Team Jumbo-Visma posted on social media.
"Get well soon, champion! Thank you for all the beautiful moments in this Vuelta. You had ambitious plans for the final days, but sadly it isn't meant to be. 😔🍀."
Roglic was one minute and 26 seconds behind Evenepoel in the general classification standings after stage 16, and Spain's Eric Mas of Movistar Team moves up to second following the 32-year-old's withdrawal.
Denmark's Mads Pedersen - who currently dons the points classification green jersey - overtook Roglic in a sprint finish to win stage 16 in 4hr 45' 29" prior to the latter's crash. body check tags ::
