Team Columbia manager Bob Stapleton believes Mark Cavendish will "seriously consider" pulling out of this year's Tour de France before the race reaches the Alps on Sunday.

The British rider struggled during the 14th stage and may quit the event in order to give himself more time to prepare for next month's Olympics in Beijing.

Stapleton told Eurosport: "He is clearly very tired. I think we have to seriously consider him stepping out. That's something we need to give full consideration to.

"It's important for us that he is part of that decision so we'll talk with him when he feels better."

Cavendish suffered during Saturday's 194.5-kilometre stage to Digne-les-Bains, finishing over three minutes behind the peloton.

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