Vincenzo Nibali got safely through what could have been a dangerous day in the Tour de France and even had the time to enjoy his first stage as race leader. The Italian now hopes to get safely through another day before it is time on the next big battle on the cobbles.

Vincenzo Nibali got a pretty easy first day as race leader in the Tour de France when he safely negotiated today's third stage of the race. Due to rain, the finale got a bit hectic but the Italian managed to finish safely in the bunch to defend his position.

Nibali even got the chance to enjoy the massive crowds that lined the road but remainds focused on the task at hand. He expects the next big fight to come on the Paris-Roubaix cobbles later on Wednesday.

“The crowd was exceptional," he said. "It was another crazy day because of the number of fans we've seen. It was marvelous to watch all those people smiling on the road side. London has welcomed us extraordinarily well but we kind of expected that after what we experienced in the first two days [in Yorkshire].

"With my team-mates, we have really enjoyed our first day with the yellow jersey. The race has gone very well for us. In the first part, I've remained in the middle of the bunch. In the second part, there have been alliances because different kind of riders had the same interest to ride behind the breakaway. It was raining at the end but there was no danger.

"It might be another story when we'll ride on the cobblestones after tomorrow. That will be harder. My next goal is to complete that fifth stage with no worries and I'll take one step at the time. I'll have to pay a lot of attention. I hope to entertain my fans who enjoy seeing me in the yellow jersey, in Italy and elsewhere.

“There are two nervous days ahead and we have the pave on stage five to think about. With the yellow jersey we think it will be to our advantage at the front of the peloton but it won’t be easier.

“I hope I get through it without problems. We’ve all tried it and we’re all trying to get through the day without losing time. As a team, we know that we have to stay united and avoid danger as best we can. We know that anything can happen on the day – although we hope it doesn’t.”