Going into the Tour de Suisse, Bradley Wiggins was one of the big favourites to win the race but things definitely haven't gone to plan for the Brit. After losing time in yesterday's stage, his team now reveals that he is suffering from a chest infection and to make things even worse, he crashed in today's stage.

Bradley Wiggins suffered a crash on the fourth stage of the Tour de Suisse, but the rest of Team Sky came through the day unscathed as the sprinters battled it out in Ossingen.

Wiggins was brought down as the peloton commenced the final lap of a 25km finishing circuit, and despite being able to get back on his bike, the 2013 Tour de France winner was unable to regain contact and rolled home almost 12 minutes back after Mark Cavendish had sprinted to a comfortable victory.

Cavendish had benefitted from a strong lead out by his Omega Pharma – Quick-Step team-mates in the closing stages before kicking on for his ninth success of the season. The Manxman launched his sprint from Michael Morkov’s (Tinkoff-Saxo) wheel in the last 200m and passed Peter Sagan (Cannondale) before pressing home his advantage in trademark style.

Juan Jose Lobato followed Cavendish over the line in second position, with Sagan just behind the Movistar rider in third. Ben Swift was Team Sky’s highest-ranked rider in 15th spot, and Sergio Henao rolled in four places further back in a sizable front group.

Those results had little bearing on the general classification, which ensured Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) maintained his six-second cushion over Tom Dumoulin at the top of the standings, with Peter Kennaugh (+29sec) and Henao (+36sec) sitting pretty in 11th and 15th places respectively.

Back at the team hotel, Sports Director Dan Frost was able to provide more detail on the day's events and also give an injury update on Wiggins, who has also been suffering from illness.

He said: "The sprint was pretty hectic and stressful but we had guys helping Ben right from the start of the stage, and into the final kilometre.

"Luke [Rowe] did a lot of work for him and he's a great asset to have in that respect. Sergio was right up there towards the end as well and he was looking good and really attentive.

"He's got great morale at the moment and that will definitely stand him in good stead for the mountainous stages to come.

"Ben was disappointed after the stage because he didn't have the punch at the end and he got a little boxed in on the barrier.

"Thursday's stage will suit him a lot better though, so we'll make sure he and the rest of the team conserve as much energy as possible tomorrow in preparation for that. That's 99.9% likely to come down to another bunch sprint, and our sole goal is ensuring Pete and Sergio don't lose any time on the other GC contenders.

"As for Bradley, he sustained grazing and bruising to the muscles on his right leg, which will be treated overnight and the team doctor will be reviewing his injury in the morning.

“Bradley has been carrying a mild chest infection from the weekend so he has been taking antibiotics and his condition has improved. Racing with this illness has affected him a bit, but he’s shown his commitment and has worked really well for the team.”