Tour de France: Tony Martin continues in race despite stage one injuries
Tony Martin was given the all-clear to start stage two of the Tour de France after his crash on Saturday.
Last Updated: 30/06/13 5:13pm
The German rider had to be stretchered away from the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step bus after crossing the finishing line in distress. He was in the middle of the incident that marred the end of the opening stage in Bastia.
The German, the reigning world time-trial champion, reportedly fainted twice and was taken to hospital in great pain amid suggestions that he had broken his collarbone or shoulder.
Scans revealed a concussion, a contusion on his left lung, widespread bruising and a deep cut on his left elbow, but none of that will stop Martin, who is one of Mark Cavendish's main leadout riders, from starting the hilly stage, which includes four categorised climbs.
The other rider to be suffer more than minor injuries, Ted King, of the Cannondale team, also started despite a fractured collarbone.
Two of Team Sky's British contingent, Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas, were also involved in crashes on Saturday, but their injuries were only cuts and bruises and both began the 156km ride from Bastia to Ajaccio.
Thomas, though, struggled throughout the stage and was reportedly speaking to doctors after coming home in the final group to finish, along with Martin and Cavendish.
