Birmingham born Dan Martin has been forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a España.
The Garmin-Sharp rider crashed in the seventh stage from Almendralejo to Mairena de Aljafare and whilst he suffered no physical injuries after appearing to hit something in the road, the injuries he did sustain included concussion.
Martin tweeted: "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.
"Stunned at the UCI commisaires lack of compassion. Should concentrate more on rider safety and less on UCI fundraising.".