COL AGNEL, France (AFP) - Spain's 2006 Tour de France champion Oscar Pereiro suffered multiple fractures after a spectacular fall during the 15th stage of the Tour de France here on Sunday.

According to official race radio, citing the medical services, Pereiro has a suspected broken collarbone, and has sustained injuries to his shoulder and leg.

He has been taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

The Caisse d'Epargne rider toppled over a security barrier on his way down Col Agnel in the French Alps, falling several metres onto the road below.

The accident happened on the first Alpine stage of the Tour between Embrun and Prato Nevoso in Italy.

Pereiro was in 15th position, 6min 1sec behind race leader Cadel Evans.

The Spaniard was declared winner of the 2006 Tour de France after American Floyd Landis was stripped of the title for taking testosterone.