Tour: Nibali out after hitting spectator

(ANSA) - Rome, July 20 - Former champion Vincenzo 'The Shark' Nibali has been knocked out of the Tour de France by a fall after hitting a spectator Thursday which caused him to break a vertebra on stage 12 to Alpe d'Huez.
    According to one report, his handlebar snagged in a camera string; according to others, he was nudged by a motor bike.
    "Sadly I'm coming home," said the 33-year-old Sicilian.
    "Thanks for your affection, au revoir", he told fans.
    "These things should not happen," said former two-time world champion Gianni Bugno, now head of the riders' union.
    Nibali's team Merida Bahrain said they hoped the Tour spends more on security next year.