TV car causes crash

A French television car, following the leading group of five riders 38km from the finish, swerved sharply across the road to avoid a protruding tree - but knocked straight into Flecha, who was riding beside the vehicle.

Spaniard Flecha clattered straight into Hoogerland, who was riding beside him - and sent him into a barbed wire fence.

Despite the horrific nature of the crash both riders were back in the saddle and looking to complete the stage.

The Tour de France, renowned for its arduous nature, has seen an unusually high number of crashes this year.

Earlier in the same day Alexandre Vinokourov broke his femur in a crash, while Britain's best hope of overall success, Bradley Wiggins, crashed out two days ago after breaking his collarbone.