Well, that is just about it from me today. Nothing happened for some time as the riders headed towards Amiens and then, boom, an explosive finish and more disappointment for Cav.
Could he possibly get on board with the slightly uphill finish on Thursday? Join me then to find out.
What about Thursday?
Tour de FranceCopyright: Tour de France
Here is what Team Sky's Geraint Thomas is expecting: "There's a little uphill finish so it could be one for Sagan or Australia's Michael Matthews rather than the pure sprinters. Maybe Valverde might get up there, too. It depends on what that little kick is like but certainly those riders' teams will try to take the legs out of the pure sprinters like Cavendish and Kristoff."
Post update
Stage 5 result
1. Andre Greipel (Ger) Lotto 4hrs 39mins
2. Peter Sagan (Slo) Tinkoff - Saxo same time
3. Mark Cavendish (GB) Etixx - Quick-Step
4. Alexander Kristoff (Nor) Katusha
5. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team MTN
6. John Degenkolb (Ger) Giant
7. Arnaud Demare (Fra) FDJ
8. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Europcar
9. Davide Cimolai (Ita) Lampre
10. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing
Martin retains yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1. Tony Martin (Ger) / Etixx - Quick-Step 17hrs 19mins 26secs
2. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky +12secs
3. Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +25secs
4. Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto +38secs
5. Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff - Saxo +39secs
6. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing +40secs
7. Rigoberto Uran (Col) Etixx - Quick-Step +46secs
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
"Peter Sagan is going to be furious, within three of four bike lengths he was past Greipel with such a fast late surge but he completely mistimed it. From the overhead shot it looked like he left it too late.
"Normally it would be a stage for Mark Cavendish but Greipel left it so, so late and timed it to perfection. Sagan was probably the fastest rider but it is not all about top-end speed but about crossing the line and it is so difficult to get it right."
Yellow jersey
No change at the top of the general classification, so Tony Martin remains in yellow, with Chris Froome 12 seconds behind him.
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Superb timing from German Andre Greipel, known as the Gorilla. Peter Sagan was finishing extremely fast but left it moments too late.
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And Peter Sagan got second with Mark Cavendish third.
Greipel wins stage five
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
And in a big sprint finish Andre Greipel takes it to win his second stage of the 2015 Tour.
400m to go
Round the right-hand bend. Seconds left.
1km to go
Big left-hand turn successfully negotiated. Tony Martin on the front with his Etixx - Quick-Step team-mates, including Mark Cavendish.
John Degenkolb is lurking.
2km to go
Mark Cavendish tucked in behind Tony Martin, plus another three of his team-mates. The riders are in Amiens now.
3.5km to go
Another roundabout successfully negotiated. Andre Greipel got squeezed out crossing one and has lost ground.
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The roads look dry. We are down to less than 6km now. Trains are forming at the front of the peloton.
Kristoff, Cavendish, Sagan, Greipel - they're all up there as they negotiate a roundabout.
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"It looks like Alexander Kristoff is on the wheel of Mark Cavendish," said Rob Hayles. "They are all starting to bunch up now."
"So many people want the same piece of road," reckons Simon Brotherton.
8km left.
Safety first
Post update
Hmm, I stand corrected. We have another quick dash through the open roads before we approach Amiens. Less than 10km, BMC take to the front. The train moving.
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We've left the countryside behind for the day, there are less than 11km left now. Some familiar teams - Sky, BMC, Tinkoff-Saxo, Movistar - at the front.
Tony Martin has a very focused look on his face.
"It is getting very physical out there," remarks Simon Brotherton.
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The second group is more than six minutes behind. Forget all about them.
The pace is still on the up. How are your nerves?
Thibaut Pinot back in touch.
Quote Message: Well, we've had a few spills today, the rate of attrition has not diminished with a few more riders climbing aboard the broom wagon. But it looks like we might just get our first sizeable charge to the line at this year's Tour. Mark Cavendish was my pick earlier and I'm sticking with him. He has punctured and been caught behind a crash, but he is still in there, with Etixx teammates. I imagine his trials have only added to the fire in his belly. from Matt Slater BBC Sport at the Tour de France
Well, we've had a few spills today, the rate of attrition has not diminished with a few more riders climbing aboard the broom wagon. But it looks like we might just get our first sizeable charge to the line at this year's Tour. Mark Cavendish was my pick earlier and I'm sticking with him. He has punctured and been caught behind a crash, but he is still in there, with Etixx teammates. I imagine his trials have only added to the fire in his belly.
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Bantz.
Closing in on 15km left. Everything is starting to speed up...
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BSE's Armindo Fonseca was towards the back and went down after breaking on the white lines. Didn't even touch anyone. Pinot working hard to get back in touch.
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"It looked like a rider clipped the right-hand kerb approaching a corner, about halfway down the main field," said Rob Hayles.
"It started with one of the Katusha riders and it set off all the way down the peloton."
Thibaut Pinot is involved. It wasn't especially high speed but there were plenty down.
Another crash
There has been a big crash that has brought down a sizeable number of riders.
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Not often I look out of the window in Salford and see a meteorological scene that surpasses what the Tour has to offer....
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There are three roundabouts in the final 6km of the stage, two of them back-to-back.
We've already had a few crashes to day and the retirements of Jack Bauer and Nacer Bouhanni.
It is very windy at the moment.
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Four minutes now between the two main groups, 32km left. I wish I had more to report. Windy, blustery.
"With the rain the sprinters will have to be careful at the finish," said Rob Hayles. "If it is wet and they go full gas around the bend close to the finish they will be into the barriers. The strong headwind at the finish could be a key factor. You have to bide your time in a headwind and go with 100-150m to go."
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Patience....
Calm before the storm?
"You can switch off and let your guard down and that is when you have those silly crashes, you get your handlebars caught up or something like that. The pace can actually be too slow for some riders, you feel like your legs are blocking up," reckons Rob Hayles.
Post update
The yellow jersey, green, white and polka are all in the sizeable front group. Breaks as a consequence of the strong winds have not materialised.
"This has all the hallmarks of a bunch sprint," remarks Rob Hayles.
It is the teams expected to contest the GC who are currently driving the pace along, although that said yellow jersey Tony Martin briefly appears on the front.
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"In contrast to what we have seen in the first four days, it is currently extremely dull," remarks Simon Brotherton.
You can listen to Simon and Rob Hayles by clicking on the play button on this page.
The peloton is currently ambling along (although I should add that it is ambling at 42km per hour). Just over 42km to go.
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The pace has dropped right off.
"There is no way the peloton could have continued to have raced like they did over the opening few days," reckons Rob Hayles.
FDJ's Steve Morabito is back on his bike after an incident that may or may not have involved a water bottle.
The second group of riders, which include Sky's Richie Porte and Peter Kennaugh as well as Movistar's Alex Dowsett, are more than three minutes behind.
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Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
"It has been an extremely tough opening week for the riders. Some of them will be relieved to be in the second group just rolling into the finish.
"This is one of the first times that we have seen in this year's Tour the peloton backing off quite considerably, just happy to roll along."
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We've got a shade on the long side of 50km left. The pace is still pretty decent but the rain has disappeared for the moment.
Cav is back in business after his earlier puncture. Still backing him for a stage win? Let us know on 81111 or tweet #bbccycling
Rob Hayles reporting that we are about to hit some slightly undulating road and reckons we could be in for some more splits.
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We asked for your memories of visiting the battlefields.
Every time I look at images of today's stage they appear to be passing a cemetery or memorial.
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Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist
"Team Sky offloaded that pressure to everybody else when they lost the yellow jersey on Tuesday but they still sit in a very good position, with Chris Froome in second place."
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The field goes past the South African memorial at Bois Delvill. The split in the peloton is now at roughly two and a half minutes. Peter Kennaugh is among those in the latter half, as are Thomas Voeckler and Pierre Rolland.
Apparently Jack Bauer is on his way to hospital after crashing twice today.
About 60km left.
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Ouch!
Quote Message: The police motorcyclist just hit the deck. He parked it into the bank from Simon Brotherton - BBC Radio 5 live
The police motorcyclist just hit the deck. He parked it into the bank
It's raining
Another man down, this time a fella on a motorbike. Not clever, the biker trying to sneak past the peloton on the right-hand side but losing it on the grass. Oops.
A change of bike for Mark Cavendish, who is now being towed back by team-mates.
Listen up
You can now listen to coverage of the stage on the website via the play button. Simon Brotherton is joined by Rob Hayles for that one.
Bye bye Bauer
The pace goes through the roof and the field is quickly strung out down the road as news come though that Cannondale-Garmin rider Jack Bauer has abandoned following an earlier crash.
Michael Matthews struggling again, as is one Thomas Voeckler.
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Fair play. Michael Matthews has battled back and has rejoined the peloton.
He is currently in animated conversation with somebody in his team car.
It is very cloudy and windy and when the race changes direction the speed increases noticeably. Will we see a split before the end of the stage?
Problems for Matthews
The riders have been out on the road for more than two hours 45 minutes now, with the average speed a touch under 40km per hour. There are about 80km left and the pace has quickened over the last 15 minutes.
Some riders have started to disappear out the back, including Orica-GreenEdge rider Michael Matthews, who injured a rib during a crash on stage three and is clearly struggling.
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Yet more superb memories of your battlefield visits.
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There were four Cofidis riders involved in the crash that led to the retirement of Nacer Bouhanni.
Back in the bunch
There are around 90km left today as the riders pass through the food station. As expected, Pierre-Luc Perichon's endeavours out on his own have come to a close. Well, it can get lonely out there.
There will be coverage of the conclusion of stage five from 15:00 BST.
In the meantime, make sure that you have a listen to the latest podcast as Simon Brotherton, Rob Hayles and Matt Slater pick over a fantastic stage on Tuesday.
You'll also hear from Tony Martin and Chris Froome, with something of a generally content vibe all round.
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More on the intermediate sprint - John Degenkolb came third, Cav rolled in fourth and Peter Sagan, who started the day in white, was fifth.
Lest we forget
APCopyright: AP
Quote Message: Fellow history graduates and Blackadder fans will recognise many of today's place names as key sites from WWI. The stage started with Team Sky's Chris Froome and Pete Kennaugh laying wreaths in Arras, and Australian team Orica - GreenEdge are all wearing black armbands to commemorate the fallen ANZAC soldiers. The riders actually cross the infamous River Somme five times today and pass Australian, British, Canadian, French, German, Kiwi and South African cemeteries. Sobering stuff. from Matt Slater BBC Sport at the Tour de France
Fellow history graduates and Blackadder fans will recognise many of today's place names as key sites from WWI. The stage started with Team Sky's Chris Froome and Pete Kennaugh laying wreaths in Arras, and Australian team Orica - GreenEdge are all wearing black armbands to commemorate the fallen ANZAC soldiers. The riders actually cross the infamous River Somme five times today and pass Australian, British, Canadian, French, German, Kiwi and South African cemeteries. Sobering stuff.
Gorilla gets em
Pierre-Luc Perichon is first through through the intermediate sprint. I don't think his breakaway will be lasting much longer.
Andre Griepel - the Gorilla - is second, winning the sprint that takes place behind Perichon.
Movistar's Nairo Quintana is back with the main field after suffering an earlier mechanical.
Gearing up
We are 3km from the intermediate sprint in Rancourt....
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We asked for your memories of visits to the battlefields - and there are some really excellent ones so far. Thanks very much.
Text me your thoughts on 81111. Or tweet #bbccycling
Yet another crash...
Ripped lycra day continues.
They've gone again - TV pictures indicating another crash. A few riders are not getting up all that quickly. Team Europcar's Bryan Coquard was down again and is looking thoroughly cheesed off with life right now.
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We asked for your memories of visiting the battlefields.
Text on 81111 or tweet #bbccycling
SMS Message: Anyone visiting Belgium for the spring classics (or any other bike race for that matter) should make time to pay their respects at the Menin Gate,Ypres.A wonderful daily tribute to the fallen. from Gary J, Derbyshire
Anyone visiting Belgium for the spring classics (or any other bike race for that matter) should make time to pay their respects at the Menin Gate,Ypres.A wonderful daily tribute to the fallen.
SMS Message: Stage finishes near Villers Bretonneux today. Australian War Memorial just outside that town. I played in a game of aussie rules against the French national side on ANZAC day earlier this year so hoping for an Aussie stage win today! from Paul in London
Stage finishes near Villers Bretonneux today. Australian War Memorial just outside that town. I played in a game of aussie rules against the French national side on ANZAC day earlier this year so hoping for an Aussie stage win today!
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Hmm, scratch that, it has at least stopped raining.
Meanwhile, wit from the finish line...
Coming down
We are through 70km and Pierre-Luc Pericho's lead is roughly one and a half minutes.
It still looks pretty grim on the road but we haven't had a crash for at least five minutes (cue pile-up).
The intermediate sprint is at just a tad more than 90km.
Geraint's guide to stage five
Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas is in no doubt about the way today's stage is likely to pan out.
"Barring anything really crazy happening, today will certainly be one for the sprinters," said the Welshman. "There will be a lot of teams looking to set it up for a bunch sprint, especially if they've not had the chance for one so far.
"In terms of contenders there's obviously the pure sprinters like Mark Cavendish, Andre Greipel and Alexander Kristoff. There is Slovakia's Peter Sagan too, who is looking to defend the green points jersey."
Tour de FranceCopyright: Tour de France
And again...
I'm starting to lose count of crashes and riders hitting tarmac. This time Bryan Coquard goes over after getting it wrong on a corner. Coquard, of course, is a sprinter. We've already lost Bouhaddi. Do none of them fancy the sprint (into a headwind) later?
It is all getting too much for Team Katusha.
The fields of Flanders
We asked for your memories of visits to the battlefields. Paddy obviously experienced better weather than the riders are experiencing today.
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Quote Message:
An hour and a half into today's meander south from Arrras to Amiens and the peloton has covered about 50km. Pierre-Luc Perrichon of French wildcards Bretagne - Seche Environnement (we need to find them a nickname) has gone a tad further as he has been on a solo mission out in front. His lead has got beyond two minutes but it's coming down again now. There have been a few tumbles in the pack behind him. Bauke Mollema and Team Sky's Nico Roche have been down but look fine. Apart from that everybody seems to be keeping powder dry for a wet and windy run-in. Could be very lively.
from Matt Slater BBC Sport at the Tour de France
An hour and a half into today's meander south from Arrras to Amiens and the peloton has covered about 50km. Pierre-Luc Perrichon of French wildcards Bretagne - Seche Environnement (we need to find them a nickname) has gone a tad further as he has been on a solo mission out in front. His lead has got beyond two minutes but it's coming down again now. There have been a few tumbles in the pack behind him. Bauke Mollema and Team Sky's Nico Roche have been down but look fine. Apart from that everybody seems to be keeping powder dry for a wet and windy run-in. Could be very lively.
Through the battlefields
As mentioned, today's route takes us past several World War One battlefields, including Bullecourt, Pozières, Péronne and Villers-Bretonneux . Australian team Orica-GreenEdge are wearing a special jersey that features a commemorative armband in remembrance of the 295,000 Australians who fought in the conflict.
The cyclists have just gone past the Canadian memorial.
Over they go again
And another crash, with Bauke Mollema and Nicholas Roche involved in this one.
Tweet us via #bbccycling
So, anyone reckon that this will be the day when Cav moves out on his own with 26 stages wins? Currently he shares third place with Frenchman Andre Leducq.
The Manx Missile would have to go on to enjoy something of a sensational tour to hit 29 wins and joint-second with Bernard Hinault. The Cannibal - Eddy Merckx - is out on his own with 34.
The BBC's Matt Slater is tipping Cav. Rob Hayles is going for John Degenkolb and Simon Brotherton for Team Katusha's Alexander Kristoff.
All three reckon Tony Martin will retain yellow.
And given that today sees the Tour pass through numerous World War One battlefields and memorials, does anyone have any especially poignant memories of visiting them that they would like to share?
I was in Longueval in 2010 when a memorial was unveiled to the Footballers' Battalion and can safely say that it was one of the most moving days that I can remember.
Text me your thoughts on 81111. Or tweet #bbccycling
Staying in yellow?
Yellow Jersey
Classification
APCopyright: AP
The first rest day of this year's Tour is on Monday - and Tony Martin is keen to keep the yellow jersey until then.
"The goal is now to keep the yellow jersey as many days as we can going into the rest day," said the German.
"There are a few hard finals, but I believe I can stay in front with the support of my team. We also have the team time trial coming up. I think we have a fighting chance of holding on to this jersey until the first rest day."
I don't think Team Sky would have too many issues with that.
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From one German to another...
Jens VoightCopyright: Jens Voight
Magic for Martin
Yellow Jersey
Classification
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
But before we go any further, let's have a recap about what happened on stage four.
German Tony Martin, who has been itching to get into yellow for days but narrowly missed out each time, burst off the front towards the end of a fascinating stage that featured seven sections of cobbles.
It was a gutsy, ballsy move and the Etixx - Quick-Step rider looked understandably delighted as he crossed the line to claim the stage victory and, with it, yellow.
Team Sky's Chris Froome dropped down to second in the general classification but did not sound too bothered afterwards.
"Losing the yellow jersey at this stage is no big deal," said the 30-year-old.
"There is still a long way to go and, as a time-trial specialist, Tony is not going to be there in the mountains."
Early crashes - Bouhanni out
APCopyright: AP
There was some early drama to tell you about with a crash in the peloton after 12km. All the riders involved swiftly made it back to the bunch, with the exception of French sprinter Nacer Bouhanni, who left the scene in an ambulance after injuring his wrist
Bouhanni, leader of the Cofidis team, had been expected to be one of the riders contesting the bunch sprint later today. The field is down to 190.
There was another crash before the 30km mark but all the riders recovered from this one.
And in a very busy first hour, there was an early break off the front involving Nicolas Edet and Pierre-Luc Perichon. Edet did not last long but Perichon, who rides for Bretagne Seche Environment, currently leads by more than two minutes.
It is an overcast day with gusty winds. This edition of the Tour does not do simple.
Matt SlaterCopyright: Matt Slater
Just don't go too early
APCopyright: AP
Yep, today's stage from Arras to Amiens is flat and fast, and is widely expected to end in a full-on bunch sprint.
Mark Cavendish and his Etixx - Quick-Step team got it all wrong on stage two - Cav running out of gas and finishing fourth after he had been exposed too early when Mark Renshaw peeled away with 300m left. There was plenty of discussion about exactly what happened there - with Cav claiming he had been left "hanging".
Etixx - Quick-Step manager Patrick Lefevere saw it differently. "Cavendish? I think he should be disappointed," he said.
I'm sure all will be forgiven with a stage win today.
Crashing the party
Andy Murray is in action at Wimbledon, the Ashes starts in Cardiff (not going especially well) and chancellor George Osborne will deliver the first all-Conservative Budget since 1996.
There's undoubtedly a lot going on, but one man will be very keen to crash the party and steal a few of the headlines for himself...
Live Reporting
Paul Fletcher
All times stated are UK
Get involved
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Latest PostPost update
Well, that is just about it from me today. Nothing happened for some time as the riders headed towards Amiens and then, boom, an explosive finish and more disappointment for Cav.
Could he possibly get on board with the slightly uphill finish on Thursday? Join me then to find out.
What about Thursday?
Here is what Team Sky's Geraint Thomas is expecting: "There's a little uphill finish so it could be one for Sagan or Australia's Michael Matthews rather than the pure sprinters. Maybe Valverde might get up there, too. It depends on what that little kick is like but certainly those riders' teams will try to take the legs out of the pure sprinters like Cavendish and Kristoff."
Post update
Stage 5 result
1. Andre Greipel (Ger) Lotto 4hrs 39mins
2. Peter Sagan (Slo) Tinkoff - Saxo same time
3. Mark Cavendish (GB) Etixx - Quick-Step
4. Alexander Kristoff (Nor) Katusha
5. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team MTN
6. John Degenkolb (Ger) Giant
7. Arnaud Demare (Fra) FDJ
8. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Europcar
9. Davide Cimolai (Ita) Lampre
10. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing
Martin retains yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1. Tony Martin (Ger) / Etixx - Quick-Step 17hrs 19mins 26secs
2. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky +12secs
3. Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +25secs
4. Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto +38secs
5. Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff - Saxo +39secs
6. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing +40secs
7. Rigoberto Uran (Col) Etixx - Quick-Step +46secs
8. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff - Saxo +48secs
9. Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky +1min 15secs
10. Zdenek Stybar (Cze) Etixx - Quick-Step +1min 16secs
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Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
"Peter Sagan is going to be furious, within three of four bike lengths he was past Greipel with such a fast late surge but he completely mistimed it. From the overhead shot it looked like he left it too late.
"Normally it would be a stage for Mark Cavendish but Greipel left it so, so late and timed it to perfection. Sagan was probably the fastest rider but it is not all about top-end speed but about crossing the line and it is so difficult to get it right."
Yellow jersey
No change at the top of the general classification, so Tony Martin remains in yellow, with Chris Froome 12 seconds behind him.
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Superb timing from German Andre Greipel, known as the Gorilla. Peter Sagan was finishing extremely fast but left it moments too late.
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And Peter Sagan got second with Mark Cavendish third.
Greipel wins stage five
And in a big sprint finish Andre Greipel takes it to win his second stage of the 2015 Tour.
400m to go
Round the right-hand bend. Seconds left.
1km to go
Big left-hand turn successfully negotiated. Tony Martin on the front with his Etixx - Quick-Step team-mates, including Mark Cavendish.
John Degenkolb is lurking.
2km to go
Mark Cavendish tucked in behind Tony Martin, plus another three of his team-mates. The riders are in Amiens now.
3.5km to go
Another roundabout successfully negotiated. Andre Greipel got squeezed out crossing one and has lost ground.
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The roads look dry. We are down to less than 6km now. Trains are forming at the front of the peloton.
Kristoff, Cavendish, Sagan, Greipel - they're all up there as they negotiate a roundabout.
Post update
"It looks like Alexander Kristoff is on the wheel of Mark Cavendish," said Rob Hayles. "They are all starting to bunch up now."
"So many people want the same piece of road," reckons Simon Brotherton.
8km left.
Safety first
Post update
Hmm, I stand corrected. We have another quick dash through the open roads before we approach Amiens. Less than 10km, BMC take to the front. The train moving.
Post update
We've left the countryside behind for the day, there are less than 11km left now. Some familiar teams - Sky, BMC, Tinkoff-Saxo, Movistar - at the front.
Tony Martin has a very focused look on his face.
"It is getting very physical out there," remarks Simon Brotherton.
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The second group is more than six minutes behind. Forget all about them.
The pace is still on the up. How are your nerves?
Thibaut Pinot back in touch.
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Bantz.
Closing in on 15km left. Everything is starting to speed up...
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BSE's Armindo Fonseca was towards the back and went down after breaking on the white lines. Didn't even touch anyone. Pinot working hard to get back in touch.
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"It looked like a rider clipped the right-hand kerb approaching a corner, about halfway down the main field," said Rob Hayles.
"It started with one of the Katusha riders and it set off all the way down the peloton."
Thibaut Pinot is involved. It wasn't especially high speed but there were plenty down.
Another crash
There has been a big crash that has brought down a sizeable number of riders.
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Not often I look out of the window in Salford and see a meteorological scene that surpasses what the Tour has to offer....
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There are three roundabouts in the final 6km of the stage, two of them back-to-back.
We've already had a few crashes to day and the retirements of Jack Bauer and Nacer Bouhanni.
It is very windy at the moment.
Post update
Four minutes now between the two main groups, 32km left. I wish I had more to report. Windy, blustery.
"With the rain the sprinters will have to be careful at the finish," said Rob Hayles. "If it is wet and they go full gas around the bend close to the finish they will be into the barriers. The strong headwind at the finish could be a key factor. You have to bide your time in a headwind and go with 100-150m to go."
Patience....
Calm before the storm?
"You can switch off and let your guard down and that is when you have those silly crashes, you get your handlebars caught up or something like that. The pace can actually be too slow for some riders, you feel like your legs are blocking up," reckons Rob Hayles.
Post update
The yellow jersey, green, white and polka are all in the sizeable front group. Breaks as a consequence of the strong winds have not materialised.
"This has all the hallmarks of a bunch sprint," remarks Rob Hayles.
It is the teams expected to contest the GC who are currently driving the pace along, although that said yellow jersey Tony Martin briefly appears on the front.
Post update
"In contrast to what we have seen in the first four days, it is currently extremely dull," remarks Simon Brotherton.
You can listen to Simon and Rob Hayles by clicking on the play button on this page.
The peloton is currently ambling along (although I should add that it is ambling at 42km per hour). Just over 42km to go.
Post update
The pace has dropped right off.
"There is no way the peloton could have continued to have raced like they did over the opening few days," reckons Rob Hayles.
FDJ's Steve Morabito is back on his bike after an incident that may or may not have involved a water bottle.
The second group of riders, which include Sky's Richie Porte and Peter Kennaugh as well as Movistar's Alex Dowsett, are more than three minutes behind.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
"It has been an extremely tough opening week for the riders. Some of them will be relieved to be in the second group just rolling into the finish.
"This is one of the first times that we have seen in this year's Tour the peloton backing off quite considerably, just happy to roll along."
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We've got a shade on the long side of 50km left. The pace is still pretty decent but the rain has disappeared for the moment.
Cav is back in business after his earlier puncture. Still backing him for a stage win? Let us know on 81111 or tweet #bbccycling
Rob Hayles reporting that we are about to hit some slightly undulating road and reckons we could be in for some more splits.
Post update
We asked for your memories of visiting the battlefields.
Every time I look at images of today's stage they appear to be passing a cemetery or memorial.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist
"Team Sky offloaded that pressure to everybody else when they lost the yellow jersey on Tuesday but they still sit in a very good position, with Chris Froome in second place."
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The field goes past the South African memorial at Bois Delvill. The split in the peloton is now at roughly two and a half minutes. Peter Kennaugh is among those in the latter half, as are Thomas Voeckler and Pierre Rolland.
Apparently Jack Bauer is on his way to hospital after crashing twice today.
About 60km left.
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Ouch!
It's raining
Another man down, this time a fella on a motorbike. Not clever, the biker trying to sneak past the peloton on the right-hand side but losing it on the grass. Oops.
A change of bike for Mark Cavendish, who is now being towed back by team-mates.
Listen up
You can now listen to coverage of the stage on the website via the play button. Simon Brotherton is joined by Rob Hayles for that one.
Bye bye Bauer
The pace goes through the roof and the field is quickly strung out down the road as news come though that Cannondale-Garmin rider Jack Bauer has abandoned following an earlier crash.
Michael Matthews struggling again, as is one Thomas Voeckler.
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Fair play. Michael Matthews has battled back and has rejoined the peloton.
He is currently in animated conversation with somebody in his team car.
It is very cloudy and windy and when the race changes direction the speed increases noticeably. Will we see a split before the end of the stage?
Problems for Matthews
The riders have been out on the road for more than two hours 45 minutes now, with the average speed a touch under 40km per hour. There are about 80km left and the pace has quickened over the last 15 minutes.
Some riders have started to disappear out the back, including Orica-GreenEdge rider Michael Matthews, who injured a rib during a crash on stage three and is clearly struggling.
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Yet more superb memories of your battlefield visits.
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There were four Cofidis riders involved in the crash that led to the retirement of Nacer Bouhanni.
Back in the bunch
There are around 90km left today as the riders pass through the food station. As expected, Pierre-Luc Perichon's endeavours out on his own have come to a close. Well, it can get lonely out there.
Check out the podcast
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
There will be coverage of the conclusion of stage five from 15:00 BST.
In the meantime, make sure that you have a listen to the latest podcast as Simon Brotherton, Rob Hayles and Matt Slater pick over a fantastic stage on Tuesday.
You'll also hear from Tony Martin and Chris Froome, with something of a generally content vibe all round.
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More on the intermediate sprint - John Degenkolb came third, Cav rolled in fourth and Peter Sagan, who started the day in white, was fifth.
Lest we forget
Gorilla gets em
Pierre-Luc Perichon is first through through the intermediate sprint. I don't think his breakaway will be lasting much longer.
Andre Griepel - the Gorilla - is second, winning the sprint that takes place behind Perichon.
Movistar's Nairo Quintana is back with the main field after suffering an earlier mechanical.
Gearing up
We are 3km from the intermediate sprint in Rancourt....
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We asked for your memories of visits to the battlefields - and there are some really excellent ones so far. Thanks very much.
Text me your thoughts on 81111. Or tweet #bbccycling
Yet another crash...
Ripped lycra day continues.
They've gone again - TV pictures indicating another crash. A few riders are not getting up all that quickly. Team Europcar's Bryan Coquard was down again and is looking thoroughly cheesed off with life right now.
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We asked for your memories of visiting the battlefields.
Text on 81111 or tweet #bbccycling
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Hmm, scratch that, it has at least stopped raining.
Meanwhile, wit from the finish line...
Coming down
We are through 70km and Pierre-Luc Pericho's lead is roughly one and a half minutes.
It still looks pretty grim on the road but we haven't had a crash for at least five minutes (cue pile-up).
The intermediate sprint is at just a tad more than 90km.
Geraint's guide to stage five
Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas is in no doubt about the way today's stage is likely to pan out.
"Barring anything really crazy happening, today will certainly be one for the sprinters," said the Welshman. "There will be a lot of teams looking to set it up for a bunch sprint, especially if they've not had the chance for one so far.
"In terms of contenders there's obviously the pure sprinters like Mark Cavendish, Andre Greipel and Alexander Kristoff. There is Slovakia's Peter Sagan too, who is looking to defend the green points jersey."
And again...
I'm starting to lose count of crashes and riders hitting tarmac. This time Bryan Coquard goes over after getting it wrong on a corner. Coquard, of course, is a sprinter. We've already lost Bouhaddi. Do none of them fancy the sprint (into a headwind) later?
It is all getting too much for Team Katusha.
The fields of Flanders
We asked for your memories of visits to the battlefields. Paddy obviously experienced better weather than the riders are experiencing today.
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Through the battlefields
As mentioned, today's route takes us past several World War One battlefields, including Bullecourt, Pozières, Péronne and Villers-Bretonneux . Australian team Orica-GreenEdge are wearing a special jersey that features a commemorative armband in remembrance of the 295,000 Australians who fought in the conflict.
The cyclists have just gone past the Canadian memorial.
Over they go again
And another crash, with Bauke Mollema and Nicholas Roche involved in this one.
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So, anyone reckon that this will be the day when Cav moves out on his own with 26 stages wins? Currently he shares third place with Frenchman Andre Leducq.
The Manx Missile would have to go on to enjoy something of a sensational tour to hit 29 wins and joint-second with Bernard Hinault. The Cannibal - Eddy Merckx - is out on his own with 34.
The BBC's Matt Slater is tipping Cav. Rob Hayles is going for John Degenkolb and Simon Brotherton for Team Katusha's Alexander Kristoff.
All three reckon Tony Martin will retain yellow.
And given that today sees the Tour pass through numerous World War One battlefields and memorials, does anyone have any especially poignant memories of visiting them that they would like to share?
I was in Longueval in 2010 when a memorial was unveiled to the Footballers' Battalion and can safely say that it was one of the most moving days that I can remember.
Text me your thoughts on 81111. Or tweet #bbccycling
Staying in yellow?
Yellow Jersey
Classification
The first rest day of this year's Tour is on Monday - and Tony Martin is keen to keep the yellow jersey until then.
"The goal is now to keep the yellow jersey as many days as we can going into the rest day," said the German.
"There are a few hard finals, but I believe I can stay in front with the support of my team. We also have the team time trial coming up. I think we have a fighting chance of holding on to this jersey until the first rest day."
I don't think Team Sky would have too many issues with that.
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From one German to another...
Magic for Martin
Yellow Jersey
Classification
But before we go any further, let's have a recap about what happened on stage four.
German Tony Martin, who has been itching to get into yellow for days but narrowly missed out each time, burst off the front towards the end of a fascinating stage that featured seven sections of cobbles.
It was a gutsy, ballsy move and the Etixx - Quick-Step rider looked understandably delighted as he crossed the line to claim the stage victory and, with it, yellow.
Team Sky's Chris Froome dropped down to second in the general classification but did not sound too bothered afterwards.
"Losing the yellow jersey at this stage is no big deal," said the 30-year-old.
"There is still a long way to go and, as a time-trial specialist, Tony is not going to be there in the mountains."
Early crashes - Bouhanni out
There was some early drama to tell you about with a crash in the peloton after 12km. All the riders involved swiftly made it back to the bunch, with the exception of French sprinter Nacer Bouhanni, who left the scene in an ambulance after injuring his wrist
Bouhanni, leader of the Cofidis team, had been expected to be one of the riders contesting the bunch sprint later today. The field is down to 190.
There was another crash before the 30km mark but all the riders recovered from this one.
And in a very busy first hour, there was an early break off the front involving Nicolas Edet and Pierre-Luc Perichon. Edet did not last long but Perichon, who rides for Bretagne Seche Environment, currently leads by more than two minutes.
It is an overcast day with gusty winds. This edition of the Tour does not do simple.
Just don't go too early
Yep, today's stage from Arras to Amiens is flat and fast, and is widely expected to end in a full-on bunch sprint.
Mark Cavendish and his Etixx - Quick-Step team got it all wrong on stage two - Cav running out of gas and finishing fourth after he had been exposed too early when Mark Renshaw peeled away with 300m left. There was plenty of discussion about exactly what happened there - with Cav claiming he had been left "hanging".
Etixx - Quick-Step manager Patrick Lefevere saw it differently. "Cavendish? I think he should be disappointed," he said.
I'm sure all will be forgiven with a stage win today.
Crashing the party
Andy Murray is in action at Wimbledon, the Ashes starts in Cardiff (not going especially well) and chancellor George Osborne will deliver the first all-Conservative Budget since 1996.
There's undoubtedly a lot going on, but one man will be very keen to crash the party and steal a few of the headlines for himself...