Long day in the saddle

It's the longest Tour day in the saddle as the riders venture the 236.5km from Waregem in Belgium to the French town of Compiegne.

Overnight, the confusion of yesterday's finish showed no signs of clearing up with Gert Steegmans still unsure if he had fully earned his victory.

"I don't know if Tom Boonen let me win but if he did it's the best present that he could ever give me," he said.

At least both men seemed happy with the result: Cycling Weekly

Less happy, of course, Mark Cavendish, who had a close encounter with the tarmac once more. At least Geraint Thomas's crash was softer - he fell on "a fat sprinter"!

Link: Crash tales

Today's Stage is once again set up for the sprinters.

Link: Money on McEwan?