Tour de France 2013: Crash sees yellow jersey contender Christian Vande Velde pull-out

The American was among those capable of winning the race

Christian Vande Velde (GETTY IMAGES)

American Christian Vande Velde is out of the Tour de France after being involved in a crash early in the seventh stage.

Organisers said Vande Velde withdrew following a mass pile-up after 11-km.

He was one of Garmin-Sharp's top contenders along with fellow American Andrew Talansky, Irishman Dan Martin and Canadian Ryder Hesjedal.

Vande Velde also sustained a shoulder problem after crashing on Wednesday.

Reuters