We've had attacks, mini-breakaways starting and failing, pretty much all day so far.

There are eight riders clear now, including Peter Sagan. Team Sky are driving the main group about 20 seconds back.

We've lost 24 riders so far following the withdrawal of Steve Morabito. Frenchman Christophe Peraud hit the road hard on Friday but is back on his bike today.

Before the stage he said: "Today is going to be horrible."

Image source, PA

By the way, there was a crash very early on today that involved the likes of Robert Gesink, Thibaut Pinot and Steve Morabito.

Sadly for FDJ's Morabito he withdrew shortly afterwards. 

Image source, EPA

So, how are things panning out so far today?

Peter Sagan, possibly still fuming after blowing it yesterday, is in a breakaway of 24 riders. They have a lead of almost a minute from the main group.

He is with the likes of Warren Barguil, Damiano Caruso, Pieter Weening and Bartosz Huzarski, Simon Yates, Steve Cummings and Pierre Rolland.

Huzarksi, by the way, was the first over the category four climb up Cote de Pont-de-Salaras.

Yesterday saw a wonderful late surge from Greg van Avermaet as the 30-year-old Belgium claimed a famous win.

"I thought I'd caught second," said Van Avermaet. "I pushed for the line and was so happy he didn't overtake me."

It is the 'he' that interests me - the 'he' is Slovak sprinter Peter Sagan. The 'he' has not won a stage at the Tour since 2013. The 'he' has now finished second four times this year at the Tour and 15 overall.

Does Sagan lack a killer instinct? Or is he very unlucky?

Yesterday he very much blamed himself.

"It was my mistake. I was waiting too long to start my sprint."

Any theories on Sagan? Text 81111 or use #bbccycling

Image source, EPA

Chris Froome himself is certainly anything but complacent.

After the end of Friday's stage he said: "The finish is going to be really tough. More than 10 per cent for 3km.

 "We can definitely expect it to be another GC (general classification) day again."

Image source, PA

Today's stage comprises two category four climbs and two category two, including 3km at an average 10.1% gradient up to the finish at Mende. Ouch.

The Tour last finished at Mende in 2010 and yellow jersey holder Andy Schleck made it clear going into the stage that he did not expect Alberto Contador to eat into his 41-second lead.

It didn't quite work out that way, with eventually stage winner Joaquim Rodriguez and Contador dropping Schleck towards the end after launching a surprise attack. 

Contador took 10 seconds off Schleck and the Spaniard went on to take yellow in Paris.

The Spaniard was eventually stripped of that title - but that's another story.

Image source, AP

This time next week we'll all be looking forward to the penultimate stage of the race as the Tour goes up one of its most famous climbs - Alpe d'Huez.

Who know's how tense and close the race will be by that stage.

Today's 178.5km stage from Rodez to Mende doesn't have the same history or, on the face of it, the same potential for drama as Chris Froome looks to defend his handsome lead.

But then again...