New Zealand professional road cyclist Hayden Roulston has pulled out of the Tour of Spain following a crash on the 12th stage on Friday (NZT).
Roulston was prepared to ride the 13th stage but his RadioShack Nissan Trek team pulled him out after consultation about injuries to his head and back.
Team director Luca Guercilena said it wasn't worth risking the health of the New Zealander, who crashed to the ground heavily during the 190km stage from Vilagarcia de Arousa to Mirador de Ezaro. He had recovered to complete that stage.
"He (Roulston) is feeling groggy and dizzy, as if he's hung over," Luca told the team's website.
"So we had to pull him. It's a disappointment for us and for him. He's been a very strong support rider in the first half of the race."
Roulston is one of five riders in contention for three spots in the New Zealand men's road race team to compete at this month's world championships in the Netherlands.
That list includes Julian Dean, who is the only New Zealander still competing in the Tour of Spain.
NZN