Andy Schleck out of Tour of Spain for breaking team rule

Twice Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck has been withdrawn from the Tour of Spain for breaking a team rule, the Luxembourg rider said on Tuesday.

A pre-race favourite, the Saxo Bank rider was lying 77th overall, more than 37 minutes down, before Tuesday's 10th stage. His Australian team mate Stuart O''Grady was also sent home by team manager Bjarne Riis.                                           

"I acknowledge that I have broken a rule of the team by going out for a drink after dinner and for that reason Bjarne has decided to send myself and Stuart O'Grady home," Schleck was quoted as saying by Cycling News.

"I'm responsible for my actions and even though I think it is too harsh a decision, I respect that Bjarne is the boss and he needs to do what he thinks is the best."

Schleck's brother Frank remains in the race, lying 13th overall.

The Tour of Spain, which finishes on Sept. 19 in Madrid, is led by Spain's Igor Anton.