American Andrew Talansky out of Tour de France with back and hip injuries

American rider Andrew Talansky withdrew from the Tour de France after the 11th stage, his Garmin-Sharp team announced Thursday.

Talansky crashed twice during the Tour and also was suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Talansky's team doctor said his crash on Stage 7 led to acute sacroiliitis, which made it difficult for him to pedal.

"I’m absolutely heartbroken to leave the Tour de France. I built my season around the Tour, and the team has supported me every step of the way. I had hoped the rest day would allow some time to recover from my crashes," Talansky​ said. "I was hopeful that I could get through yesterday and I tried to be there for the team, the way they have been there for me this whole time. But it proved to be too much. I wanted the team to keep up the fight for the stage, and in turn for them, I wanted to fight to the finish."

Talansky finished Stage 11 last, almost 12 minutes behind the previous finisher.

"I was hopeful that I could get through yesterday, and I tried to be there for the team, the way they have been there for me this whole time,” Talansky said. “But it proved to be too much.”

- Scooby Axson