Friday, 19 July 2019:

ROHAN DENNIS of Australia crosses the finish line in the Cycling Road Men's Individual Time Trial on of the Rio Olympic Games at Pontal n Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT ROHAN DENNIS' ABANDONMENT OF THE TOUR

HOW IT HAPPENED:

- Dennis was 80km into the Tour's 12th stage, a mountainous route from Toulouse to Bagneres-de-Bigorre, when he stopped at a feed zone and it was announced he was pulling out of the entire race.

- He disappeared for several hours with his team Bahrain-Merida issuing a statement on Twitter mentioning concerns about the Australian's "welfare".

- Some witnesses claimed to see Dennis arguing with team officials in a support car around the time he abandoned the race.

- He was taken by the team car to the Bahrain-Merida bus at the finish line before he later left the bus with his agent and a team media officer, refusing to talk to waiting press.

- Bahrain-Merida sports director Gorazd Stangelj then fronted the assembled press pack but could not offer any explanation why Dennis had quit and said he thought his rider was in good enough condition to continue racing.

POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS:

Equipment

Some commentators have suggested Dennis has been unhappy with the bike his team have provided him for Friday's crucial individual time trial in Pau. The Australian positioned his bike in a prime position beside the team bus when he was inside.

Illness

The Bahrain-Merida team did mention star rider Vincenzo Nibali had a stomach problem ahead of the stage, but Stangelj denied Dennis was unfit to race.

Personality clash

There has been some speculation the Australian, who only has one-year left on his contract, is growing less patient playing second-fiddle to Nibali and dealing with Stangelj.

AAP