Mathieu van der Poel abandons Tour de France

Stage 11 of the Tour de France was always going to be a tough day for those who struggle up the high mountains, and one of the victims of the day was Mathieu van der Poel who decided to pull the plug on his disappointing Tour de France during the stage.

The Dutchman finished fifth on the opening time-trial, however reported bad form throughout the opening week where he had several opportunities to perform and also chase a yellow jersey. He had hinted to an early abandon, however reported feeling better in the finale of the opening week.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider was active early in the day today, being in the day's breakaway after an early attack with Wout van Aert. He seemed to display better form, however was quickly distanced once the riders reached Lacets de Montvernier. The Dutch rider struggled in the ascents, and shortly after abandoned the race ahead of the Col du Galibier.