Luxembourg cycling star Andy Schleck's hopes of improving on his second place in this year's Tour de France in the Tour of Spain evaporated on Sunday as he pulled out of the race.

Race organisers did not specify the reason for his retirement on what was the eighth stage of this year's edition and the first mountain stage.

Schleck gave up at the 88 kilometres mark of the 204.7km stage between Alzira and Mount Aitana.

Schleck was in 51st position in the overall standings, 3min 10sec adrift of the overall leader Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland.

AFP

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