Italian Daniele Bennati has pulled out of the Tour de France, organisers said today.
The Lampre rider stepped off his bike 98 kms from the finish of the 16th stage over 182 kms from Bourg d'Oisans to La Toussuire.
Bennati was lying third in the points classification for the best sprinter, 60 points adrift of green jersey holder Robbie McEwen of Australia.
On Tuesday, McEwen saw another rival, world champion Tom Boonen of Belgium, pull out with breathing problems.
