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RENNES, France -- American Bobby Julich crashed in the Tour de France on Saturday, losing control of his bike while negotiating a bend during the long time trial, and the Tour's news service said he had dropped out of the three-week race. Julich, who finished third in 1998, hit the ground hard and slammed into the curb. He was almost motionless on the road for a few moments before he was helped to the side. The Team CSC veteran appeared to have injured his right wrist, which he clutched, grimacing in pain. He also tore his shorts and suffered scrapes. Television pictures showed him being led to an ambulance. The American also fell during a steep descent in a time trial at the 1999 Tour, fracturing his left elbow and breaking two ribs. Team CSC already had lost its lead rider, Italian Ivan Basso, to doping allegations before this year's Tour began. Basso has denied any wrongdoing.
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