Chris Froome is out of the Criterium du Dauphine after he was injured in a crash just three weeks before the Tour de France gets under way.
Six-time Grand Tour champion Froome was eighth in the one-week race, which started on Sunday, but was injured in a recon ride ahead of stage four on Wednesday.
Team INEOS revealed that the Brit was on his way to a local hospital following the accident prior to a time-trial in Roanne.
"Team INEOS can confirm that Chris Froome crashed during a recon of stage four of the Criterium du Dauphine today." the team stated.
"He is currently on his way to a local hospital and won't start today's fourth stage. We will provide a further update in due course."
Team INEOS can confirm that Chris Froome crashed during a recon of stage four of the Criterium du Dauphine today.
— Team INEOS (@TeamINEOS) June 12, 2019
He is currently on his way to a local hospital and won’t start today’s fourth stage.
We will provide a further update in due course. pic.twitter.com/3x3h5BD5cH
Froome skipped the Giro d'Italia to give himself the best possible chance of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title.
The Tour Grand Depart will be staged in Brussels on Saturday July 6.