Cycling: Tour de France toll knocks Kiwi George Bennett out of Vuelta a Espana

George Bennett of Team LottoNL-Jumbo completes stage one of the 2017 Tour de France. Photo/AP Photos

Kiwi cyclist George Bennett has withdrawn from the Vuelta a Espana.

Bennett, who won the Tour of California earlier this year, pulled out before the 12th stage overnight, won by Poland's Tomas Marczynski.

After finishing 10th last year, Bennett has battled through the early stages of this year's event with illness, a hangover from his Tour de France campaign, where he retired exhausted while sitting just outside the top 10.

Bennett was well down the Spanish standings in 158th place and the decision was made with his LottoNL-Jumbo team to withdraw.

"Sad to be leaving la vuelta," he tweeted. "A little too eager to come back after the tour and nothing left to give. Important to look at the big picture."

Fellow Kiwi Sam Bewley, who sits 168th after the most recent stage, responded: "Sweet, extra spot up the GC for me."

Bennett suggested Bewley's attack on yesterday's final climb was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Sad to be leaving la vuelta. A little too eager to come back after the tour and nothing left to give. Important to look at the big picture.

— George Bennett? (@georgenbennett) August 31, 2017

His withdrawal may also affect his involvement in the world championships in Norway later this month, where he has been selected for the time trial.

Aaron Gate, racing for Aqua Blue Sport, is the leading Kiwi in 157th, more than two-and-a-half hours behind Englishman Chris Froome, who maintains his lead despite crashing twice overnight.