Chris Froome got safely through the final of the three British stages but admitted that racing on slick roads in London had been a dangerous experience. He is pleased to have three potentially dangerous days out of the way.

Chris Froome completed the British leg of the Tour de France in fifth place after Team Sky negotiated a tricky finale in the nation’s capital.

Wet roads on the streets of London made for a tense finish to the third stage but the Brit was looked after by his team-mates to end the race’s time in the UK in a strong position.

Vasil Kiryienka piloted Froome into position as the rain began to fall before Bernhard Eisel and Geraint Thomas used their guile and positioning to ensure all three finished on the coattails of the bunch sprint on The Mall.

That prize was taken by Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano) who bagged his second stage win of the race while Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) finished on the wheel of Froome to secure a second day in the yellow jersey.

“It was a tough stage there in the final and tricky coming into London,” admitted Froome after crossing the line. “There was a lot of road furniture but again there were just massive, massive crowds out there.

“We did get a little bit wet in the final but I suppose it wouldn’t have been a British start without a bit of rain!

“The big thing was to just get through the stage – don’t lose any time and hopefully don’t have any incidents along the way. It was a good day for us and we’re three days into the Tour now. It’s quite a good feeling.

“I think tomorrow we can expect a day pretty similar to today – another case of just getting through it – but on stage five we hit the cobbles and that’s definitely going to be quite a shake-up. Literally.”

Richie Porte also finished with the leaders and told ITV Sport: "It wasn’t too bad until the final and then it was very sketchy.

"There was a little crash but I’m surprised there weren’t a lot more. It was quite dangerous and I don’t think these roads are ridden on much. But we got through.

"I’ve loved (racing in the UK) it’s been amazing. The crowd have been really nice and it’s been great for the team with the support we’ve had."