14:04 - Seven Nations Lose One Rider Each
The seven riders who have quit the 2010 Tour are from seven nations:
Spain lost Florencio (CTT) before the prologue
Switzerland lost Frank (BMC) after the prologue
Portugal lost Cardoso (FOT) after the prologue
Australia lost Hansen (THR) after stage 1
France lost Delage (OLO) during stage 2
Netherlands lost Terpstra (MRM) before stage 3
USA lost Vande Velde (GRM) before stage 3
There are now 191 riders in the race.
Such a shame about Vande Velde, but he was weakened after his previous injuries. It's surprising that more weren't scratched after the last 2 days' crashes.
We’ll see haw many get scratched today - 1 down already (Le Lay) and the leaders are just approaching the first cobbles.