Major blow for Evenepoel: Cattaneo withdraws from Tour de France

Mattia Cattaneo, key teammate of Tour de France contender Remco Evenepoel at Soudal Quick-Step — has been forced to withdraw from the three-week race.

The Italian rider was seen struggling at the back of the peloton during Stage 7 between Saint-Malo and Mûr-de-Bretagne — before retiring after approximately 70 kilometers.

Remco Evenepoel, who finished third in last year’s Tour de France, currently sits third in the general classification — trailing race leader Mathieu van der Poel by 43 seconds. Three-time Tour champion Tadej Pogačar occupies second place, one second behind van der Poel.

Former Tour winner Geraint Thomas along with four other riders formed a breakaway shortly after the start — establishing a lead of 1 minute 40 seconds after covering 86 kilometers.