"A really really horrible day" says Wiggins

RESULTS

1. Mark Cavendish - HTC-Highroad  (3h 38min 32secs)

2. Philippe Gilbert - Omega Pharma-Lotto  (s.t.)

3. José Joaquín Rojas - Movistar  (s.t.)

5. Geraint Thomas - Team Sky  (s.t.)

Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas was fifth behind Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) on a dramatic fifth stage of the Tour de France which saw a number of the overall contenders caught up in a succession of crashes. Thomas remains seventh overall, just behind teammate Bradley Wiggins, and also retains the leading young rider’s white jersey.

Bradley Wiggins, Team Sky Rider:

"It was mad - the worst stage so far and I'm relieved it's over now.

"It was a really, really horrible stage. I didn't really crash that hard; I sort of crashed behind the crash and just bent my handlebars and brakes and things like that."

Dave Brailsford, Team Sky Team Principal:

"It was carnage out there. There were a lot of crashes and a lot of guys went down - it was very, very nervous again and there was a strong tailwind so it was a challenging day for everyone.

"It was a stressful day but we came through it unscathed so the boxes are ticked for us and we move on to the sixth stage tomorrow."

Steven de Jongh, Team Sky Sports Director:

“It was a really hectic day - very nervous with the tailwind too and fast as well. A couple of GC guys came down today [Chris] Horner, [Alberto] Contador and [Robert] Gesink so it was a tough one.

“We were involved in a crash with Brad but everyone is okay, that is the main thing. But it was not fun to be in the car at the back of the race today.

“It was tough for the boys but it ended up really good for us despite it being a tricky day. 

“Eddy [Edvald Boasson Hagen] went for a long one in the sprint and it had looked good. We had G [Geraint Thomas] up there too and he had a go but unfortunately Cavendish came in. So there was no win but the guys did their best and everyone came away unscathed.”