Sprinter Philipsen crashes out of Tour two days after winning first stage

FRANCE :Belgian rider Jasper Philipsen withdrew from the Tour de France on Monday, two days after winning the opening stage, following a brutal crash that made it impossible for him to continue the third stage.

With around 60 km to go to the finish line, Philipsen hit the road hard following contact with Bryan Coquard during an intermediate sprint.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider had his jersey ripped in several places and suffered bloody scrapes. He was attended to by the race doctor shortly afterwards.

Philipsen, who was also wearing the green jersey, ends his Tour on a sour note despite having won the opening stage on Saturday. The race continues around France and finishes on July 27.