Miracle escape for Geraint Thomas in scary crash

Thomas collided with Frenchman Warren Barguil of Giant-Alpecin during a descent and was thrown into a ditch 7.5km from the finish.

The 29-year-old hit his head on a telegraph pole as he fell but was soon able to remount and finish the stage to a rapturous reception.

Astonishingly, he retained sixth place overall, losing only 38 seconds.

"I'm alright. A bit shaken up but fine, you know. I've had a lot worse," he said at the end of the stage.

"It's frustrating because you try so hard to get over that climb. I don't know why some guys just sit where you are on the descent. What's the difference between fifth and third? Just get down the descent."

Thomas remains sixth overall, while team-mate Chris Froome maintained his lead of three minutes and 10 seconds.

Earlier on Monday Sky's British road race champion Peter Kennaugh withdrew from the race.

Somewhat fortunately for Thomas, Tuesday is a rest day for the riders before the Tour resumes with the 161km 17th stage.

Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 64:47:16"

2. Nairo Quintana (Colombia / Movistar) +3:10"

3. Tejay van Garderen (U.S. / BMC Racing) +3:32"

4. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) +4:02"

5. Alberto Contador (Spain / Tinkoff - Saxo) +4:23"

6. Geraint Thomas (Britain / Team Sky) +5:32"

7. Robert Gesink (Netherlands / LottoNL) +6:23"

8. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy / Astana) +7:49"

9. Bauke Mollema (Netherlands / Trek) +8:53"

10. Warren Barguil (France / Giant) +11:03"