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Watch: Tour de France holds it’s breath as Philippe Gilbert crashes into ravine

Quick-Step ride hits stone wall and goes careening into ravine before eventually climbing out

Philippe Gilbert was leading the Tour de France down the descent of Col de Portet-d’Aspet on Stage 16. Deploying an aero tucked position on the bike, Gilbert was flying a minute ahead of the main group of the peloton. Gilbert’s solo flyer was swiftly ended when he went careening over the roadside barrier and disappeared into the ravine.

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Gilbert was taking an aggressive line around a corner when he lost traction of his rear wheel. He tried to slow but he no longer could hold his line as he lost control of his bike. Gilbert unclipped just before his bike hit the stone wall on the side of the road as he went over the handlebars into the ravine.

After Gilbert disappeared on the other side of the roadside barrier, TV camera’s cut to the break before finally returning several minutes later to the spot Gilbert crashed. The former world and Belgium champion was seated on the stone wall recomposing himself before getting back on the bike. Gilbert was treated for bruises and scraps but seemed to be no worse for wear despite the scary crash.

In the 1995 Tour, Italian Fabio Casartelli crashed on the descent of the Col de Portet d’Aspet. He sustained heavy facial and head injuries and later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the crash, teams and commentators were very relieved to see Gilbert was OK.

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