The Cofidis team leader had big ambitions in this year's Tour, but he dismounted and got into the team car after 140 kms of the tough 10th stage between Dax and Lourdes-Hautacam in the Pyrenees.

The stage, held in dreadful weather with violent rain and wind, was marred by several crashes on the descents.

American Jonathan Vaughters was taken away by ambulance after a bad crash, apparently suffering from a concussion.