Tony Martin escaped the carnage and defended his lead in today's fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse but he saw his teammate Mark Cavendish go down in a crash. The race leader was highly critical of the route that saw the riders tackle two tricky turns inside the final 300m.

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team put all riders on the front, including race leader Tony Martin, in full support of sprinter Mark Cavendish in hopes he could earn a second straight sprint victory at the 183.6km Stage 5 of Tour de Suisse on Wednesday.

Teams were doing their best to try and get in front of OPQS, but Cav was still 3rd wheel going into the final kilometer thanks to excellent work by the team. However, Cavendish drifted back as the battle for final sprint position became hectic prior to a very technical final few hundred meters.

Despite Cavendish's efforts to keep himself safe and upright in anticipation of the final sprint, an Matthew Goos went down on a sharp turn before the finish. Cavendish was directly behind him and had nowhere to go but over the top of the fallen rider.

The crash caused more chaos, and only a few riders could contest the sprint in front. Sacha Modolo (Lampre-Merida) won the stage, with Peter Sagan (Cannondale) 2nd and John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) was 3rd.

Fortunately, the crash involving the British Champion appears to be without major consequences. He has some superficial skin abrasions and a bump on his head, but normally will be at the start of Stage 6.

Tony Martin keeps the yellow jersey for yet another day, having moved to the front to help establish the leadout inside the final few kilometers.
 

"I was very frightened by Mark's crash," he told Cyclismactu. "It was pretty impressive. I stopped immediately to see what had happened. He looked groggy and did not speak. I understand that he will go to the hospital. I hope all is good. 

"I did not really see how it happened, but I don't understand the organizers. Why put such a turn 300 meters from the line? Was it not possible to find another finish?"

OPQS looks next to 183.5km Stage 6, which three categorized climbs including an early Category 1 climb. Stage 5 was likely the final opportunity for a bunch sprint.

"It will be difficult," Martin said. "I still expect a bunch sprint, but strong men can attack and it will not be easy to control. Nevertheless, I hope that other teams are interested in the work and will lend us a hand."