Levi Leipheimer pulled out of the Tour de France with a broken wrist.

American Leipheimer, one of Lance Armstrong's closest allies on the Astana team, injured his wrist towards the end of yesterday's 12th stage and is unable to start today's 120mile trek to Colmar.

Seven-times champion Armstrong acknowledged Leipheimer's absence was a blow for the team.

“He was one of the leaders of the team. It has a big impact,” said the 37-year-old Texan. “We are still in solid contention for the race but it can't help but have an effect.

“He is a friend of mine, it makes it even more unfortunate but we have to move on and focus on what we have.”

Armstrong was in third place overall, two seconds behind team-mate and rival Alberto Contador, of Spain.

Italian Rinaldo Nocentini wore the yellow jersey with a six-second lead going into today's 13th stage.