Video highlights, onboard footage and reaction from dramatic Tour de France stage

Today’s Stage 12 of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France is one that cycling fans will talk about forever.

Shortened by 6km due to winds in excess of 100kph on the upper slopes of Mont Ventoux, there was still the mouthwatering prospect of a Bastille Day battle between the overall contenders on the 9km climb to the new finish at Chalet Reynard.

But moments after Lotto-Soudal’s Thomas De Gendt, who had been in the break and stayed away, crossed the line in victory, came the moment for which today will forever be remembered.

BMC Racing’s Richie Porte, race leader Chris Froome of Team Sky, and Trek Segafredo’s Bauke Mollema had got away from their rivals, and a major shake-up of the general classification was on the cards.

The motorbikes preceding them could find no way through the crowds, however, and ground to a halt, Porte crashing into the back of one, Froome and Mollema coming down behind him.

The yellow jersey – his bike rendered useless because it had been run over by a motorbike following the trio – began running towards the finish, in what will doubtless become the defining image of the 2016 Tour de France.

He grabbed a neutral service bike – too small, and with pedals incompatible with his shoes – until finally getting a spare from his team.

Briefly, Orica-BikeExchange’s Adam Yates seemed to have taken the race lead. Then, Porte and Froome were given the same time as Mollema, who had reached the finish before them.

Here’s the reaction, followed by the onboard footage.

Race leader Chris Froome of Team Sky

“The Ventoux is full of surprises. In the last kilometre, a motorbike broke in front of us and made us crash. Another motorbike came from behind and broke my bike. That's how I became a walker.

“I knew the car with my spare bike was five minutes behind. I'm very happy with the commissaires' decision. It's the correct one. Thanks to them and to the Tour de France organization.”

Adam Yates of Orica-BikeExchange, who remains second overall and leads the young riders’ contest.

“Cycling is the only sport where people can be so close to the players. It has some risks. I was with Quintana and Valverde when Froome had a problem.

“I felt good but not good enough to follow Froome and Porte. Nobody would have wanted to take the yellow jersey like this so it's a good decision the jury has taken.

“Tomorrow it's a time trial. It's not my specialty. I hope to lose the less time possible.”

Here’s the onboard footage.