Vinokourov crashes out

The crash, which also forced Belgian Jurgen van den Broeck out of the race, prompted the peloton, led by Belgium's Philippe Gilbert and Andy Schleck's Leopard team, to momentarily neutralise the stage as the bunch dramatically eased the pace.

Astana team leader Vinokourov, who was taking part in his last Tour, tumbled into a ditch after a dozen riders fell on the descent from the Pas de Peyrol mountain pass and was taken back to the race ambulance with a broken femur and cracked pelvis.

The Kazakh, 37, finished third in the Tour de France in 2003 and won the Vuelta a Espana in 2006.

Also caught in the crash was Van den Broeck, fifth in the Tour last year. The Belgian pulled out a few kilometres after the crash with a shoulder blade fracture.

American David Zabriskie was also caught up in the crash and pulled out with a broken wrist.

Two of his team-mates, Briton David Millar and Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, fell off their bikes but continued the race, Garmin-Cervelo sports director Lionel Marie told Reuters.

Belgian Frederik Willems also fell and he pulled out with a collarbone fracture.

Last year, then overall leader Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland had a stage neutralised after team-mate Schleck and scores of other riders crashed on a descent.