Froome relieved to survive stage

– It was not the expected major shakedown, but the riders’ faces told a story of suffering as most of the main Tour de France favourites stayed in contention after a much-feared stage nine on Sunday.

The 156.5km route from Arras featured 21.7km of cobbled sections, in which the climbers had to grind their way to the finish.

There were scares and crashes, but defending champion Chris Froome (above), his lieutenant Geraint Thomas as well as Spain’s Alejandro Valverde, twice runner-up Nairo Quintana, Dutchman Tom Dumoulin and 2014 champion Vincenzo Nibali all escaped unhurt.

Only Australian Richie Porte crashed out after 10km and last year’s runner-up Rigoberto Uran lost 1min 28sec on the favourites’ group after hitting the ground.

France’s Romain Bardet lost seven seconds but things could have been much worse for the twice podium finisher as he suffered three punctures.

Belgian Greg van Avermaet kept hold of the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

“It’s a relief to get through that stage, the guys did a great job keeping me and Geraint safe. I’m looking forward to the rest day tomorrow (yesterday),” said Froome, who finished 27sec behind stage winner John Degenkolb.

“The GC (general classification) guys got through. Richie crashed out before the first section, it’s never nice to see a rival go like that.”

The four-time champion crashed on a cobbled section but on the side of the road and he was quickly back in the main bunch.

“It was a stressful day, I’m just grateful we got through,” Froome said. – Reuters