Dan Martin has been forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a Espana due to a serious crash on Friday.
Martin has described the crash as the “most painful crash (I) ever had”.

Despite suffering a concussion Martin in the fall Martin finished the stage, with roughly 11klm left in the stage following the fall. However Martin then decided to withdraw before Saturday’s eighth stage due to the effects of the concussion.
Martin commented on the fall and withdrawal on Twitter, saying last night: “Thanks so much for all the messages. Happy to say nothing broken but most painful crash ever had. See how we wake up 2moro."

Thanks so much for all the messages. Happy to say nothing broken but most painful crash ever had. See how we wake up 2moro #ibouncedgood

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) August 30, 2013

Martin tweeted again this morning: “Sad to leave the vuelta but can't race with these birds flying round my head. I hit a hole or rock in the road. Down I went.”

Sad to leave the vuelta but can't race with these birds flying round my head. I hit a hole or rock in the road. Down I went #shithappens

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) August 31, 2013

The Garmin Sharp rider was also critical of race organisers for their "lack of compassion" and lack of focus on rider safety.

Stunned at the UCI commisaires lack of compassion. Should concentrate more on rider safety and less on UCI fundraising.

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) August 31, 2013

Nicolas Roche is in third place overall as today’s stage sees the riders head to Andalusia.

Image: Dan MArtin racing for Ireland at 2012 Olympic games©INPHO/Morgan Treacy