Former two-time winner Alberto Contador has pulled out of the Tour de France after crashing badly on the 10th stage.

The Spaniard’s withdrawal was the second major abandonment of the 101st edition of the Grand Boucle following that of reigning champion Chris Froome last Wednesday.

The two-time winner crashed on a pass between the Petit Ballon climb and the Col du Platzerwasel, needing lengthy medical attention to patch up his knee before getting going again.

The 31-year-old Spaniard also needed to change bikes and a shoe before restarting while he received further attention from his team car as he continued the race.