Tour de France: Big setback to Dan Martin’s hopes of podium finish

Dan Martin’s hopes of a podium finish at the Tour de France were thrown off course yesterday when crosswinds decimated the field and he was one of the big losers on the 165-kilometre stage 16 from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans sur Isere.

The Irishman started the day in fifth place on General Classification just 1’12” down on race leader Chris Froome but disaster struck inside the final 20 kilometres.

First, strong winds from the side forced an acceleration in the pace as Team Sky rode as hard as they could to keep Froome in the front and out of any danger.