Andy Schleck forced to withdraw from the Tour de France

Schleck, named as the 2010 Tour champion after initial race winner Alberto Contador was stripped of his title for failing a doping test, was involved in a crash during stage three.

Although he attempted a warm-up on Tuesday ahead of the 163.5-kilometre journey from Le Touquet-Paris-Plage to Lille Metropole, the 29-year-old was subsequently ruled out by his team.

"We are sad to announce that Andy Schleck cannot take the start in @letour today," read a message on Trek Factory Racing's official Twitter account.

"The ligaments and meniscus in the right knee are too severely damaged from his crash.

"He will travel to Basel now for examination and a possible operation."

In addition to winning the Tour four years ago, Schleck - whose brother Frank is also riding for Trek Factory Racing - has twice finished second.

He follows Omega Pharma-QuickStep sprinter Mark Cavendish and Lampre-Merida's Sacha Modolo in pulling out of this year's race.