Sunday’s explosive stage at the Tour de France ended sadly for Vasil Kiryienka (Sky), who was so integral in helping team leader Chris Froome claim yellow on Saturday.

Kiryienka finished outside the time limit and was forced to abandon the race. The Belorussian exceeded the time limit by one minute.

With Kiryienka compelled to leave the race, the Sky team has lost a powerful rouleur.

“He is one of the big engines in the team,” Chris Froome told L’Equipe. “We will miss him badly over the coming two weeks.”