Hamilton retires from Tour de France

American rider Tyler Hamilton abandoned the Tour de France today, complaining of severe back pain.

The Phonak rider was 20th overall when he pulled out 84 kilometres into today’s stage.

Hamilton – who finished fourth last year after riding almost the entire Tour with a broken collarbone – had hoped to challenge former US Postal team-mate Lance Armstrong.

However, after losing more than three minutes in yesterday’s stage to his fellow American, his chances were very remote.

Hamilton was also very upset after his dog, Tugboat, was put to sleep after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this week.