Staff Reporter
CHRIS Froome has retired from the Vuelta a Espana after suffering a fractured foot on Wednesday’s stage 11 in Andorra.
Team Sky’s leader collided with a barrier five minutes into yesterday’s race and was left walking on crutches afterwards.
It marks the end of his bid to become only the third rider to bag a Tour de France-Vuelta double in the same season.
Froome said: “I was knocked sideways into a barrier and stone wall.
“This is a great group of guys and I would love to have fought on with them until the end.
“I wish them all the best with the remainder of the race and I’ll be cheering them on from home.”
Froome finished the day out of contention in the general classification (GC), 7 mins and 30 secs down on race leader, Astana’s Fabio Aru.
He had spoken of his fears before yesterday’s monstrous section, which contained four category one climbs and a special category ascent.
But the British rider showed considerable pluck to finish the 138km stage, which was won by Spain’s Mikel Landa.
Froome praised his Sky team-mates afterwards.
Froome tweeted: “Thanks to the whole team for the support, especially @GeraintThomas86 for sticking it out with me today.”
