Gilbert, who wore the yellow jersey for race leader last year, was among several riders brought down in a spill at the 120km mark of the 226km race from Blagnac to Brive-la-Gaillarde yesterday.

A family watching the race go past saw their huge dog, which some riders later compared to “a pony”, run out into the road. It brought several riders down and left BMC’s Gilbert with a sore shoulder.