It might seem odd to fans, but riders rarely apportion blame for crashes in their post-race interviews – it’s only when a crash is caused by an egregious error or when emotions are running particularly hot that a professional will out another professional’s mistake in the press. Most of the time, crashes are seen as part and parcel of racing, something to be endured rather than something to dwell on. What use is gesticulation and shouting when the race is leaving you behind?
Such was the case when Chris Froome, wearing yellow, crashed in the final 10km of Stage 6 in the 2014 Critérium du Dauphiné. By the time the camera moto caught up with the crash, the riders involved were already re-mounting their bikes and setting off in pursuit of the peloton, who had eased their pace out of respect for the fallen yellow jersey.
