Chris Froome claimed the yellow jersey with a stunning show of strength on the Mur de Huy which, while not quite enough for the stage win, was a huge show of how strong he is feeling.

Sky hit the front at several times, with Froome always safe at the front – crucially as it transpired given the crash and the splits in the crosswinds.

A clear sign of his form and his confidence came as he positioned team-mates on the front on the bunch to ramp up the pace and then flicked his elbows angrily to defend his position at third wheel.

His acceleration on the Mur de Huy was typical of what we have come to expect from him, and while Rodriguez was better on this occasion, Froome did at least fulfil one aim.

The second place, and the yellow jersey, means Team Sky will have the front car for stage four – which could prove crucial on the cobbles.

Froome may not hold onto yellow, but it gives him every chance of cutting any losses to his rivals, which is target number one right now.

If he can stay upright on the brutal pave, and in touch with the likes of Quintana, Contador and Nibali, Froome will be in a very good position indeed come stage five.