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    Chris Froome, Alberto Contador Quit Tour de France Following Crashes

    Chris Froome

    The two favorites in the 2014 Tour de France were forced to quit following crashes, leaving fans wondering who will become the next champion. Last Wednesday, 2013 Tour de France winner Chris Froome crashed twice on wet roads in Stage 5 and pulled out of the race after consulting with one of the team’s doctors.

    Although his injuries have yet to be announced, it is assumed he re-injured his wrist, which was in a brace during the last fall. “Following his second crash today, the Brit clutched at that same wrist as if he had exacerbated the damage,” Outside reported.

    On Monday, Alberto Contador crashed during a descent on a wet road. Immediately after the crash, he got back on his bike and proceeded to ride but learned later at the hospital that he had fractured his tibia in the fall. The two-time Tour de France champion was forced to bail along with Froome. The two athletes were the only racers competing to have previously won the title. Now, fans are looking to Vincenzo Nibali, who took the lead in Stage 2 with his team, Astana, as the possible winner.

    “I’m not happy about what happened to Alberto and Chris. The climbs would have been better and more spectacular for everyone,” said 29-year-old Nibali, according to The Associated Press. “We’ve got to stay calm and study the situation. The danger can come from anywhere.”

    Image courtesy of julien haler/Wikimedia Commons