Tricky, technical descents in the rain, spectacular high-speed crashes and Chris Froome atop the podium having extended his yellow jersey lead with a stunning ride in the individual time trial.

‘Froome-dog’ is now four minutes and 34 seconds clear of nearest challenger Alberto Contador, despite the Saxo-Tinkoff man’s own fantastic time trial – completed entirely on a road bike – which saw him bag second place.

Not all riders were happy to hit the gas on the fast descents however, with some opting to play it safe as the Tour rolls on to a double ascent of Alpe d’Huez.

Read what riders including Froome, Contador and David Millar made of stage 17 of the centenary Tour in our round-up of the best reaction below.