Nicolas Fritsch (Saunier Duval) climbed off his bike in the 12th stage today. He had to abandon the race due to a fever. He joined Manuel Beltran (Discovery Channel), who crashed on his head, was knocked unconscious for a short period, and was prevented by the race doctor from continuing, Robert Hunter (Phonak), and Angelo Furlan (Domina Vacanze) as riders who pulled out in stage 12.
