“I’m a bit beaten up, I’ve been through worse days, but yeah that was unexpected,” he said.

Tadej Pogacar emerged largely unscathed from the crash, saying he was a “bit beaten up” but had “been through worse days”. Source: AAP / Dirk Waem/Belga/Sipa USA

He was also swift to thank his rivals. “Big respect,” he said of the gesture.

“He completely cut me off. I saw my head going toward the sidewalk and I was worried I’d get hurt. Luckily I’ve just lost some skin,” said the three-time champion.

Rider who caused crash apologises, ‘terrified’ of online abuse

“I made a mistake … I hope he is as good as he can be after a crash like that.”

“I’m not sure I’ll still have the lead tomorrow night,” said Healy. “It’s a large task but I’ll fight all the way. Either way this has been a real whirlwind for me.”

Thrilling cat-and-mouse duel

French climber Lenny Martinez is in the king of the mountains polka dot jersey as the race heads into the Pyrenees and will be the focus for home fans all weekend with further blockbuster crowds expected.

Anti-Israel protester arrested

The protester, who was also holding a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, got past security barriers and ran towards the finish line in Toulouse as Abrahamsen won the sprint finale.

The demonstrator’s T-shirt read “Israel out of the Tour”. Source: AAP / Jasper Jacobs/Belga/Sipa USA

The man was intercepted by a race staff member and arrested, the local prefecture said.