Tony Martin was vowed to carry on in the 102nd edition of the Tour De France.
The Etixx Quick Step fractured his collarbone in a crash two kilometres from the finish line in Le Harve following a touch of wheels and said: . "I touched the back wheel of a Europcar rider. It was stressful like always.
"I can’t really remember but as usual with crashes when they are not at high speed, normally the injuries are the worst." after having tweeted: Collarbone is broken. We will discuss further steps.”
The decision as to whether he can continue in the race as the yellow jersey wearer is expected by the team's doctors and medical staff
Etixx Team Manager Patrick Lefevre is quoted as saying: "I think we WILL lose him. I hope we don’t but the riders were clear. They tend to judge a situation better. They said his collarbone was broken.
"It’s sad to lose the yellow jersey like that. Don’t forget it’s a man less for the train for Mark tomorrow. Our maillot jaune was also one of strongest men of the team for the team time trial."
“It’s with mixed emotions that I’m standing here. We’re obviously very happy with the win from Stybi. We believed in it. But if you lose the yellow jersey like that there’s major consequences. Don’t forget there’s still the team time trial on Sunday.”