updated 4:02 p.m. ET July 8, 2006

RENNES, France - American Bobby Julich broke his right wrist in the Tour de France on Saturday and the Tour’s news service said he had dropped out of the three-week race.

Julich, who finished third in 1998, lost control of his bike while negotiating a bend during the long time trial. He 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.

X-rays showed he broke a bone in his right wrist, Team CSC team spokesman Brian Nygaard said. 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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