Injuries sustained in a crash Sunday will prevent BMC Racing Team's Marcus Burghardt from starting Stage 3 of the Vuelta a España Monday.

Burghardt badly hurt his left knee and suffered facial injuries in the crash, BMC Racing Team Dr. Daniele Zaccaria said.

"X-rays proved negative," Dr. Zaccaria said, "but he had swelling on his knee that we tried to manage during the night. This morning it was getting worse, so we made the decision for him not to start. He will go home now for further investigation and treatment."

The crash happened on a high-speed descent with less than 30 kilometers to go in Sunday's stage. An earlier pile-up of more than two dozen riders just a few kilometers before did not involve anyone from the BMC Racing Team.

Burghardt said it was extremely frustrating not to be able to continue, particularly after being part of Sunday's winning team time trial. This is his first withdrawal from a grand tour in 10 starts. 

"I am someone who is always trying to get on the bike. But with this swelling and pain, it is impossible," he said. "I went from heaven - when we won the team time trial with the guys - all the way down to the ground 24 hours later. Having to leave my first grand tour makes me super sad."

Burghardt finished his only other Vuelta a España appearance 10 years ago, then competed in seven Tours de France, winning a stage in the 2008 edition and helping Cadel Evans take the overall title in 2011. Earlier this year, he placed 70th in the Giro d'Italia.