Dan Martin has revealed how “gut-wrenching” it was to have gotten sick in the final week of the Tour, which deprived the Irish rider the possibility of a high placing overall, another stage win, or even both.

Chris Froome and Alberto Contador both had near misses on the descent into Gap but the Briton retained his overall lead on stage 16 of the 100th Tour de France.

Chris Froome was unable to savour his historic victory atop Mont Ventoux as he continued to face questions about doping during yesterday’s rest day at the 100th Tour de France.

The Tour de France resumes today.