Cavendish pulls out of Tour de France

EMBRUN, France (Reuters) - Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the Tour de France before the 15th stage to Prato Nevoso, his Team Columbia said on Sunday.

The Briton, who won four stages in this year's race, will now focus on next month's Olympic Games, where he will take part in the track cycling events.

A pure sprinter, the Manxman has difficulty in the mountains and would have struggled to cope with three gruelling stages in the Alps.

Sunday's stage is the first Alpine stage of the Tour, from Embrun to Prato Nevoso, Italy, with two intimidating ascents.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Clare Fallon)