Many would have expected a straight-forward stage as the peloton rode on French soil for the first time in this year’s race, but it was anything but as several crashes littered the stage.

Took quite a tumble today but I’ll definitely be starting tomorrow with no serious damage. It’ll be a tough one for everyone on the cobbles!

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 8, 2014

Perhaps the most concerning was the tumble taken by Chris Froome at the very start of the race however.

The defending champion suffered a nasty road rash in the fall, and was visibly uncomfortable with his wrists until calling for a splint.

However, the worst case scenario seems to have been avoided after an x-ray gave him the all clear and his grip on the handlebars appeared unimpinged.

Given the dramatic loss of form he suffered after hitting the deck at the Criterium du Dauphine, it was certainly a concerning moment for Froome and Team Sky.

But, whereas Greg Henderson (Lotto-Belisol) became the latest rider forced to abandon through injury after he fell towards the end of the stage, Froome lives to fight another day.