Froome forced to run as motorbike collision mars stage

Chris Froome extended his lead in the Tour de France to 47 seconds after initial concerns he had lost the yellow jersey following a dramatic crash which resulted in the defending champion running part of the final climb on stage 12.

With swathes of fans encroaching on the road making for a narrow route on the ascent up Mont Ventoux, BMC Racing rider Richie Porte ran into the back of a breaking motorbike.

Froome was caught in the subsequent pile-up as he ploughed into Porte and opted to progress on foot in a bid to avoid losing valuable time. GC rival Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) was also involved, but got away quickly.

Team Sky rider Froome transferred to a neutral bike after jogging up part of the hill for less than a minute before finally being handed a replacement to cross the line.

Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) provisionally took over the yellow jersey as Froome dropped to sixth – some 53 seconds off the pace having started the day 28 seconds clear of the rest - while Thomas De Gendt claimed his first stage victory on the Tour de France.

However, Froome was credited with a new time by race organisers, ensuring he stretched his advantage of Yates to stay on course to win the race for a third time.

Porte and Mollema were given the same time as Froome on a dramatic day in the famous race.

The stage had been shortened by six kilometres due to high winds at the summit of Mont Ventoux.