Arnaud Démare took the flowers and Geraint Thomas remains the race leader ahead of tomorrow’s summit finish. 

“We were right alongside Quick-Step when someone fell. You can try to brake as hard as you can, but the crash was unavoidable,” Groenewegen said. “I got out of the crash well, without any injuries. I kind of jumped off my bike instead of falling of it. Because of that, I landed on my feet and did not fall on the ground. Happily, my other team-mates who crashed are alright.” 

Timo Roosen was the first Team LottoNL-Jumbo rider to cross the finish line in 95th place. 

“There were many crashes today. The Tour the France is known for that, but it is a shame because this is a missed opportunity. I would rather have sprinted for the win.” 

“I do not exactly know what happened, suddenly Paul and Dylan hit the deck,” Robert Wagner said. “It is a miracle that I did not crash myself, my bike is destroyed."

“A bunch sprint is always hectic, if you ride it in the Tour or not. We were in good position until we fell. I had the feeling that Dylan’s legs were good. That is what he told me during the stage. My legs were good too. Because of the crash we did not get the chance to sprint.”