Team Sky have pulled out of the cycling Tour of Spain following the death of masseur Txema Gonzalez.

43-year-old Txema died in hospital in Seville after being taken ill by a bacterial infection.

Team chief David Brailsford said: "We have considered all the elements very carefully and this is the only decision we could take.

"We discussed it with Txema's family and they fully support our decision. They have asked us to the funeral next week and we will of course be there to support them and to pay our respects.

"Others - staff and riders - have been ill during this Tour and Juan Antonio Flecha pulled out on Friday. The medical conditions are different but we need to take care of our team.

"Txema will be remembered as a warm-hearted colleague who was a joy to work with."

Gonzalez was an amateur rider with Spanish team KAS and joined Team Sky for their debut season in 2010.