Groupama-FDJ stable manager Marc Mardiot was a skier in the late 1970s and has lived with the sport for several decades.

He fears death in case the development does not change.

This year's edition with crashes in all its forms is unique from a historical perspective.

- This is not cycling anymore, says Mardiot who is known for being outspoken according to Cyclingnews.

Yesterday's third stage was no exception in terms of crashing.

Three major crashes occurred the last mile and only 17 cyclists took part in the sprint at the finish line in Pontivy in the northwestern part of France which became dramatic.

With the finish line within sight, sprint specialist Caleb Ewan crashed into the asphalt and dragged star Peter Sagan into the fall.

Ewan remained for several minutes and the cyclists behind him had to round him on his way to the finish.

The Australian broke a collarbone in four places and has of course broken the competition.

"Do not remember much of the crash"

- I do not remember much of the crash because it occurred in an instant.

Usually when you crash, you do not feel much pain because the adrenaline is pumping, but here it hurt at once and the medical team pressed against the collarbone, Ewan says to his own stable Lotto Soudal.

Belgian Tim Merlier avoided problems and won the frequent sprint.

The two favorite tipped Slovenes Tadej Pogacar and Priomz Roglic, first and second last year, also lost in the summary after experiencing crashes at the end when it got crowded.

Roglic went to the finish line with a torn suit and large abrasions.

He was later examined in hospital.

- Fortunately, everything is in place and nothing is broken, but I have wounds all over my body, says Roglic who lost over a minute in the lead, from third to 20th place.

French police are looking for a sign woman on Facebook

Pogacar crashed a couple of kilometers before the finish but was quickly up.

He lost 26 seconds on the incident.

French police have launched an investigation against the woman who held up an oversized sign on Saturday's initial stage and caused a mass crash with about 50 cyclists involved.

Among other things, a search has been made for the woman on Facebook.

She risks one year in prison and a fine of SEK 150,000 in the most severe possible outcome.

No Swede participates in the competition.