Important helpers for two of the GC riders had to abandon the race yesterday. Alberto Contador and Richie Porte both lost one of their helpers, as the two Spaniards Jesus Hernandez (Tinkoff-Saxo) and Xabier Zandio (Sky) left the race after crashes.

Jesus Hernandez fell on his head and was taken to the medical car for checks, while fellow Spaniard Xabier Zandio suffered back and ribs injuries and was taken to the hospital.

“It's a sad day for Alberto and for team to miss a rider but we have to stay focused. Tomorrow's stage could be a tricky one and I'm not sure the entire pack is going to cross the finish line in a bunch sprint. We have to stay alert like today and keep Alberto safe,” said Tinkoff-Saxo team director Philippe Mauduit after the stage.

They were joined on their way out of the race by Katusha rider Egor Silin, who broke his left collarbone. Also one of the big stars with the home soil team AG2R La Mondiale crashed as Romain Bardet hit the asphalt. His team says the rider has hurt his left knee.

A total of 14 riders featured on the unusually long medical statement.