Oscar Freire (2000 file photo)

Three-time world cycling champion Oscar Freire of Spain has announced he is withdrawing from the three-week long Tour of Spain because of a neck injury.

The 30-year-old Rabobank rider suffered the injury at this year's Tour de France, where he won two stages.

In a statement Tuesday, Rabobank said Freire would be replaced on the team by 20-year-old Australian William Walker, who joined the team last month.

The Tour of Spain, the last of Europe's three major cycling tours, begins Saturday with a time trial in Malaga. It ends September 17 in Madrid.