Le Tour champ Chris left to suffer on the Road to Rio

Greg van Avermaet celebrates his golden win, while Chris Froome cut a disconsolate figure (inset) yesterday. Henao with him, allowing Majka to forge on.

Thomas also fell and with him went British hopes of a medal.

Majka came agonisingly close to a solo victory, but Van Avermaet and Fuglsang worked together to reel him in and the Belgian prevailed.

Froome’s day did not begin as planned. He was unaware his name was being called over the public address system prior to the start at Copacabana beach.

Riders must sign in before races, but Froome had forgotten until being prompted when BBC reporter Natalie Pirks shouted over the barrier.

Then Froome required a bike change with around 100km remaining. Coach Rod Ellingworth helped him make the change and Thomas escorted him back to the main bunch.

It may have been planned, given the change took place after the riders had completed four laps of the Grumari Circuit, which included a cobbled section.

Froome’s Team Sky squad have specific bike set-ups for cobbles and the British team may have done the same.

Ian Stannard’s work had been done by then and Steve Cummings soon followed in slowing to a near standstill.

And thereafter the plan was torn up as the race ignited on the final full circuit, before the final ascent and descent to the finish where Thomas was undone.

Froome could yet emulate Sir Bradley Wiggins, who is the only Tour winner to win Olympic gold in the same year, by upgrading his bronze behind his compatriot four years ago inWednesday’s time-trial.

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