Richie Porte’s Tour De France was brought to a crashing end, Dan Martin’s could easily have gone with it.
The Australian misjudged a bend during stage nine of the race and he was sent tumbling while descending Mont du Chat outside Lyon.
Porte’s bike sprang out from underneath him after he cut a tad too far into a bend on the descent. Porte was carried off on a stretcher and his tour was soon announced as over.
Irish man Martin was in hot pursuit of Porte and he came crashing down after the 32-year-old.
The pair’s momentum then took them crashing into the ditch at the side of the road.
https://twitter.com/BrainOnWheels/status/884060278631141376
Porte was put in a neck brace by medical officials, while Martin continued the race, but crashed again shortly after.
The fighting Irish man must be commended for his spirit as he fought all the way to the finish line.
Love this guy! Can't put into words what he's done today. Proud of you, @DanMartin86! #WayToRide #TDF2017 pic.twitter.com/hJEX2g8o4X
— Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team (@soudalquickstep) July 9, 2017
Martin did drop a place to sixth, one minute and 44 seconds down. He is now 18 seconds ahead of seventh-place Simon Yates of Orica-Scott.
Cannondale-Drapac’s Rigoberto Uran went on to win the stage.
