The two-time champion, Alberto Contador of Spain, had another fall just as he had in the first stage.

He lost considerable time which has left his title aspirations in doubt.

While Contador has lost a lot of time, he feels it's important to remain calm and not panic yet.

"I lost more time than I had hoped to lose. I suffered another crash. I hit the handlebars and I was hurt on the other side as yesterday.

"I must stay calm, not lose morale, I'm still standing but I have been really touched. 

"The Tour has really started on the wrong footing. I'm not happy at all. 

"It's cycling. I must see if I can make up some time in the Pyrenees and the Alps, see what I can do.

"I'm physically hampered. I cannot pedal as I would last year as the result of crashes. 

"The important thing is to keep my morale, not fall part, which is sometimes complicated. Both legs are very touched."

Sagan won the race on the last climb when he outpowered France’s Julian Alaphilippe and Contador’s compatriot, Alejando Valverde.

Sagan claimed the stage in 4 hours, 20 minutes and 51 seconds to take the leader’s yellow jersey from Mark Cavendish and he holds an 8-second lead over Alaphilippe.

Monday's third stage rides for 223 km between Granville and Angers.

Morgan Piek/OFM News