The British Team Sky has pulled out of the Vuelta a España following the death of popular and widely-respected masseur and team helper Txema González. Sky has had health issues since the start of the Spanish Tour in the form of a virus that had already caused several riders to abandon the race.
González, however, was the unfortunate victim of an infection in his blood which took his life in a Seville hospital Friday evening. He was 43 years old.
"Txema's death is devastating to everyone in Team Sky. We've lost a good friend, a much respected and valued colleague," team principal David Brailsford said in a statement from the team.
"We have considered all the elements very carefully and this is the only decision we could take. It's the right one; to show respect to Txema and to look after our team.
Brailsford said the team discussed having Sky pull out of the race with González's family, and they fully supported the decision.
"Others - staff and riders - have been ill during this Tour and Juan Antonio Flecha pulled out on Friday. The medical conditions are different but we need to take care of our team," he continued.
Both the race organization and the International Cycling Union (UCI) have been informed of the team's decision.
"We wish all the other teams in the race well and will now take time to deal with this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Txema's family," he concluded.