Cyclists are a tough bunch, we have already been reminded of that on several occasions at this year’s Tour.

From Chris Froome defying a broken wrist to start stage five – crashing twice more before he finally bid farewell to his dream of winning a second yellow jersey – to Alberto Contador attempting to ride on with a broken leg, the Tour has been full of stories of courage.

And Criterium du Dauphine winner Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp) became the latest to show just how much of a different breed cyclists are.

The American, who crashed heavily on stage seven, was in obvious pain as he was dropped by the bunch on the first of the climbs.

Climbing off the bike and sitting on a road barrier, Talansky’s Tour appeared to be over but he defied the pain – which reduced him to tears on the bike – to clamber back on.

Facing a race against the cut-off time, Talansky battled on to finish the stage – winning plenty of admirers in the process.

He announced he would not be continuing the Tour prior to the start of stage 12, but the American certainly enhanced his status among fans with his efforts – and at just 25 years old he has plenty of time yet to mount a proper GC challenge.