Haussler pulls out of Paris-Nice

Haussler, who was already having problems with his knee after hecrashed in the Volta ao Algarve last month, left the race today afterabout 25 kilometres.

"Though it improved he then crashed againin the first stage of Paris-Nice, and with the cold weather he felt toomuch pain in the knee to continue," the team announced.

"Heinrich [Haussler] is getting the best treatment possible from our medical team to help him prepare for the upcoming races."

The knee injury was exacerbated after Haussler was involved in a crash,along with Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, on the first stageof the race.

Haussler has had good form this season and looks tobe building to a good result in the classics like Milan Sanremo and theTour of Flanders.

The decision by the rider to abandon Paris-Nice was made to protect his prospects in those races.