Bennati retires from Tour de France

LA TOUSSUIRE (France): Italy's Daniele Bennati of the Lampre team retired from the Tour de France on Wednesday after falling during the 16th mountainous stage from Bourg d'Oisans to La Toussuire.

Bennati, who was third in the points standings, fell during the long descent after the Galibier climb and was not able to continue because of injuries to his right wrist and left hip.

And France's Sylvain Chavanel of the Cofidis team fell several moments after Bennati on the same descent but, after being examined by a team doctor, was able to continue the race.