Four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara has left the Tour de France as he and his wife expect the birth of their second child.

The Swiss cycling star said the decision was hard to make, but family comes before competition.

That trophy, he said referring to a baby, is more important than another Tour stage win or an Olympic medal.

Cancellara is heading back to Bern, but expects to resume competition at the London Olympics to defend his gold in the road race time trial.