After the opening stage of the 2023 Tour de France, just one rider had been forced to withdraw from the race: Movistar team leader Enric Mas.
The Spaniard, who left last year's Tour before Stage 19 after contracting Covid-19, came down in a crash on a fast descent with around 20km to race. After a few minutes spent in discussion with his team sports director on the side of the road, the dejected 28-year-old decided to abandon.
The crash also brought down Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost). Despite injuries to both knees, the Ecuadorian champion finished the first stage but was then unable to take the start of Stage 2.
Last year, 134 riders finished the 2022 Tour de France after 42 riders failed to finish. With 20 stages still remaining, there is potential for plenty more dropouts, which Cycling Weekly will keep updated stage-by-stage.
Tour de France abandonments
Stage 1
Enric Mas, Movistar: DNF
Stage 2
Richard Carapaz, EF Education-EasyPost: DNS