Chris Froome retires from Tour de France after two falls on stage five

Defending champion Chris Froome retired from the Tour de France during today's fifth stage from Ypres to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut.

The Team Sky rider bowed out after suffering a second fall of the day in wet, slippery conditions.

He was also knocked off his bike during yesterday's stage and appeared to injure his wrist, which may have affected today's stage on the uneven cobbled roads.

Following yesterday's fall, Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford insisted that Froome's Tour would not be ruined.

However, Froome, who was favourite to win the Tour again, will not be able to compete any further in the race.

Two-time winner Alberto Contador is now the odds-on favourite, ahead of current yellow jersey holder Vincenzo Nibali.

Froome's withdrawal makes it a double whammy of bad news for British cycling fans after star sprinter Mark Cavendish had to pull out following a heavy fall at the end of the opening stage in Harrogate.