Haussler also out of Tour de France due to knee problems

Pro cycling team Cervelo Test Team announced today that Heinrich Haussler will not be participating in the 2010 Tour de France due to knee problems exacerbated by his crash in the Tour de Suise (see cyclingnews.com for more details on that.)  This, along with a similar announcement by Tom Boonen of Quickstep, represents two strong sprinters that will not be participating in the Tour de France, and site that nasty Tour de Suisse crash as part of the cause.

Mark Cavendish – who was penalized for causing that Tour de Suise crash – ultimately pulled out of the Tour de Suise due not to inuuries, but repoted “family reasons” in addition to his injuries. However, riders on the very next stage after the Tour de Suise crash did make a gesture of protest by delaying the race.  Still unannounced at the time of this writing is the final roster for Columbia in the Tour de France.

In light of all of these events, it seems assured that right or wrong, any successful performance by Mark Cavendish in this year’s Tour de France will be met with voices of frustration and protest given the unfortunate absences of Boonen and Haussler.