Injured Simon Gerrans out of Tour de France

AUSTRALIAN champion Simon Gerrans did not start the 17th stage of the Tour de France and has pulled out with an injury.

Simon Gerrans from Australia reacts after winning the overall race after stage 6 of the 2014 Tour Down Under cycling race on January 26, 2014. Stage Tasmanian Richie Porte won the fifth stage of the Tour Down Under following a brilliant solo attack up the second ascent of Willunga Hill in South Australia. AFP PHOTO / Mark Gunter -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

AUSTRALIAN champion Simon Gerrans did not start the 17th stage of the Tour de France and has pulled out with an injury.

The 34-year-old Orica GreenEDGE rider had been suffering since crashing on the first stage more than two weeks ago.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing not to complete the Tour de France and make it to Paris,” said the winner of April’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

“But with the injuries I have from stage one, I think the best decision is actually to stop now and completely recover.

Australia's Simon Gerrans (C) rides in the pack last week.

“I know I haven’t been 100 per cent right since my crash but I was hoping to improve throughout the race. That hasn’t really been the case so I have been putting on a brave face and doing what I can each day.”

Gerrans wore the Tour leader’s yellow jersey for two days last year after Orica won the team time-trial. He also won the third stage before that.

However, he has been unable to truly challenge for a stage win this time around.

Originally published as Injured Simon Gerrans out of Tour de France