VIDEO: Froome crashes over barriers on Stage 1 of the Tour

Chris Froome battled back to limit his losses after a crash and a chaotic finish to stage one at the Tour de France

What had been a straightforward day quickly turned into a hectic dash for home, with Froome being edged off the road and into a field with around six kilometres remaining.

The defending champion was able to quickly remount and join a large chasing group of riders after the peloton had split in a large crash 11km from home. Froome eventually crossed the line 51 seconds back on stage winner Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors), with the stage decided in a nervous bunch kick. Geraint Thomas led the team home, digging deep to finish 14th and firmly amongst the lead group in Fontenay-le-Comte.

VIDEO: Froome Crashes over barriers

There was plenty of action in the opening stage of #TDF2018, including a crash for @TeamSky’s @chrisfroome, but fortunately the four-time Tour de France winner escaped injury and managed to limit his losses #VelonLive pic.twitter.com/UGl7fKKnjP

— Velon CC (@VelonCC) July 7, 2018

Back at the bus Froome said: “I saw a lot of crashes out there today. It’s just one of those things. We always knew the first few days were going to be tricky and going to be sketchy. It’s part of the game unfortunately."

“We were right at the front part of the peloton in the top third. There wasn’t too much more the guys could have done. It was getting quite chaotic with some of the sprinters there, but that’s bike racing. I’m just grateful I’m not injured in any way and there’s a lot of road to cover before Paris obviously.”