Sinkeldam, 24-years-old, riding his first Grand Tour was clearly frustrated to have to leave the race in its second week due to the weather conditions, but can leave knowing that he has played an integral part of the team's successes so far in this third and final Grand Tour of the season.

Sinkeldam said: "I am really disappointed to have to leave the race before the end, in my first Grand Tour, and with good legs.

"I had been recovering well between stages and even yesterday my legs felt pretty good, but I was just so cold that I couldn't even hold onto my handlebars and it was not safe for me to ride on.

"To see Warren win on stage 13 was amazing, such a great day for the team here in Spain, and I am really proud to have been a part of that and all the team work that we have done in the first two weeks."