Txema Gonzalez (file)

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Orhuela - Team Sky has withdrawn its riders from the Tour of Spain following the death of the squad's masseur during the race.

Txema Gonzalez died in a Seville hospital on Friday after going into septic shock following a bacterial infection. The team said the infection entered had Gonzalez's blood stream and developed into sepsis which damaged the organs in his body. He was 43.

"Txema's death is devastating to everyone in Team Sky, the team's principal Dave Brailsford said. "We've lost a good friend, a much respected and valued colleague. We have considered all the elements very carefully and this is the only decision we could take. It's the right one; to show respect to Txema and to look after our team."

Brailsford indicated there was no connection between Gonzalez's illness and a viral infection which had caused three of its riders - Juan Antonio Flecha, John-Lee Augustyn and Ben Swift - to withdraw from the race.

"The medical conditions are different, but we need to take care of our team," he said.

Brailsford added that Vuelta organizers and the sport's ruling International Cycling Union (UCI) had been informed of the team's decision "and we are deeply grateful for their cooperation and understanding."

The 65th edition of the race continues with Saturday's mountainous eighth stage, a 190km ride between Villena and Xorret de Cati.

Philippe Gilbert of Belgium has the overall lead in the race, which finishes in Madrid on September 19.