Cycling: Mark Scanlon narrowly missed out on the large crash which brought down many of the riders in the closing stages of yesterday's race to Angers.

The 23-year-old Sligoman was delayed slightly because of the fallers, crossing the line several seconds behind winner Tom Boonen in 48th place. Like all of those who were hindered due to the crash, such as Lance Armstrong, Jan Ullrich and Thomas Voeckler in the yellow jersey, he was credited with the same time as the stage victor. He remains 53rd overall and sixth in the best young-rider classification.

Scanlon had earlier been part of the chase which hauled back the six breakaway riders, the Ag2R team hoping to set up their sprinters Jaan Kirsipuu and Jean Patrick Nazon for another stage win. This plan was scuppered due to the final kilometre chaos.

"I got through the crash okay," said Scanlon. "I did a bit of work during the stage for the team to bring back the break, but I'm feeling pretty tired at the moment. I hope I come around soon and start feeling a bit stronger again."

Scanlon's form should pick up once the weather improves. He has been feeling fatigued since the team time-trial on Wednesday. - Shane Stokes