Chris Froome (Sky) had a mostly easy day in the saddle in today's 12th stage of the Tour de France but strong winds and crashes forced him to stay attentive. A late tumble brought down his teammate Edvald Boasson Hagen and while he hoped that the Norwegian is okay, the day had reminded him that the Tour can be lost any day.

Despite an average speed of more than 45km/h, the Tour de France peloton had its first really calm day in the saddle in today's 12th stage. Strong crosswinds had been predicted but early on it was clear that they were not strong enough to split up the peloton.

The GC riders were allowed to enjoy a mostly quiet day but as race leader you always have to stay careful. Chris Froome knew this and so he was attentive throughout the entire stage.

“It was alright today," he said. "I was happy on my team-mates' wheels throughout the stage. Some teams did look like they were about to take it up and it's a reminder that we just have to concentrate all the way through and keep an eye on proceedings."

However, the stage was not without its drama. A big crash with 2km to go brought down a number of riders and one of those was Froome's teammate Edvald Boasson Hagen. The Norwegian has been allowed to mix it up in the sprints but that could very well prove costly as he was taken to hospital for further examinations.

Having already lost Vasili Kiryienka earlier in the race, it would be a huge blow to Froome, should Boasson Hagen be forced to head home.

"I could hear the crash behind me, but I didn't see anything," he said. “I didn't see anyone go down but I heard it happen with about two kilometres to go and Edvald was caught up in that. I think he came in holding his shoulder and he's just with the team doctors at the moment checking out what the injuries are. Edvald’s a huge part of the team – he’s such a versatile rider in the mountains, and on the flats, so I really hope he’s all right."

“Any day in the Tour de France has its challenges," he said. "You've got to stay awake and keep an eye on things – at any moment things can change and the race can be taken away from you."

The mostly easy day had been welcome as the race leader had felt some heavy legs after his huge effort in yesterday's time trial where he was only narrowly beaten by world champion Tony Martin.

“It was a big effort yesterday and naturally I felt it in the legs a little bit today but hopefully no more than the other guys in the peloton," he said. “I'm looking forward to the Alps and getting closer to Paris.”

Froome has another two flat stages to survive before he gets to the next crucial GC stage: Sunday's long trek to the top of Mont Ventoux. Starting at 14.00 you can follow tomorrow's stage on CyclingQuotes.com/live.