World champion Tom Boonen has pulled out of the Tour de France, organisers said on Tuesday.
Boonen stepped off his bike 59 km from the finish of the 15th stage over 187 km from Gap to l'Alpe d'Huez.
The
Belgian Quick Step rider, who was second in the standings for the best sprinter's green jersey, failed to win a stage but wore the overall leader's yellow jersey for three days.