GAP, France, July 16 - Belgian Rik Verbrugghe and Spaniard David Canada pulled out of the Tour de France after being involved in a nasty crash on Sunday, organisers said.

Cofidis rider Verbrugghe hit a crash barrier 39 kms from the finish of the 180.5-km 14th stage from Montelimar to Gap and was treated by the Tour's doctor Pascal Rivat.

The Belgian broke a bone in his left thigh and suffered several wounds on his left arm, organisers said in a statement.

Canada, part of a small group of riders in a breakaway, also hit the barrier and fractured his right collarbone.

"He is suffering from a right collarbone fracture," said the Tour's chief doctor Gerard Porte.

Both riders were transported to the hospital in Gap, organisers said.

German Matthias Kessler also crashed before getting back on his bike and being caught by the peloton.

He eventually finished 124th, more than 12 minutes adrift of stage winner Pierrick Fedrigo of France.