Former leader Fabian Cancellara was one of a number of riders forced to retire from the race yesterday following a high speed crash – the Swiss rider finished the stage but was later found to have fractured two vertebrae in his back.
Carrick on Suir's Sam Bennett managed to avoid the main crash but was caught up in a later spill.
The Tour organisers will be hoping for a safer journey over the seven cobblestone sections during today's 223.5 kilometre stage.
