TOUR DE FRANCE

Date: 4 July - 26 July

Coverage: BBC Sport website: text commentary of each stage and streamed BBC commentary of the last 90 minutes of each stage available; commentary on selected stages on BBC 5 Live sports extra

Leipheimer's absence will be a blow to friend and team-mate Lance Armstrong

Astana rider Levi Leipheimer has been forced to pull out of the Tour de France with a fractured wrist.

The American, who was fourth overall, crashed at the end of Thursday's stage.

A statement on the team website said he would not be able to start Friday's stage because of a "transverse fracture of the right scaphoid (in wrist)."

Leipheimer is a team-mate and close friend of Lance Armstrong, who has admitted to "tensions" with Astana colleague and rival Alberto Contador.

Seven-times Tour winner Armstrong said Leipheimer would be sorely missed.

606: DEBATE

"He was one of the leaders of the team. It has a big impact on the team," said the 37-year-old.

"We are still in solid contention for the race, but it can't help but have an effect.

"He is a friend of mine, it makes it even more unfortunate but we have to move on and focus on what we have."