The AG2R guys in the breakaway at the front are now attacking.

Yep, this stage has just exploded to life.

Out towards the front following the move by Romain Bardet includes Dan Martin, Fabio Aru and, I think Nairo Quintana.

Chris Froome is a little way back. I'd just got a sandwich out - I won't be eating that just yet.

Image source, AFP

There has been an attack off the front of the peloton that is breaking this race open a little at the moment.

It is being led by AG2R and Romain Bardet is very much part of the mix.

He went down on the descent - there are a few riders down at the moment.

Geraint Thomas has just crashed......

You've earn't your afternoon of Tour de France viewing/listening/reading......

Carlos Betancur, as far as I can tell, is riding in his first TdF.

Given that the breakaway is more than five minutes clear, that means that the 27-year-old is currently leading the race by a couple of minutes.

I wouldn't say Team Sky are panicking exactly.

No sooner will we get down the Col de la Biche, then we'll start making our way up the legendary Grand Colombier - 8.5km at 9.9%.

There is a little group that has pulled away from the front of the breakaway and are now trying to consolidate their position on the descent from the first of the day's three super category climbs.

The roads look a little slippy.

Primoz Roglic and Warren Barguil are both on 20 points at the top of the King of the Mountains classification.

First up the HC Col de la Biche is Lotto NL-Jumbo's Primoz Roglic, who responds to an attack from Pierre Rolland and pulls away to go over first.

Roglic, of course, is a former ski jumper.

Who is going to make a move today and when?

Richie Porte?

Nairo Quintana?

Alberto Contandor?

Dan Martin?

Simon Yates?

Surely if they want to shake up this race then they have to do something at some point?

Surely not everyone will wait until the Mont du Chat?

Image source, EPA

No attacks of any significance from the main GC group so far. Powder dry.

The breakaway has a lead of more than five minutes. The breakaway is down to 35.

As mentioned previously, Movistar's Carlos Betancur is the leader on the road.

Astana's Jakob Fuglsang has a mechanical - puncture - and is donated a wheel by a team-mate.

He is now being paced back up this considerable climb to the summit of the Col de la Bliche.

Steffan Russon: Froome and Porte to go head to head, blow rest of field out of water. Only 2 riders in it by end of stage

There's been very little chat about Nairo Quintana. I need him to find some form because my velo team could do with a strong few days.

The slopes of the Mont du Chat have OJ Borg in full arm stretch mode.

What will it do to the riders later?

Image source, BBC Sport

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Aelwyn Rees: who from GC is in the front group?

So, nobody from the top 25 overnight are in the breakaway group. Colombia's Carlos Betancur is now in virtual yellow having leapt 26 places in the virtual standings.

All the talk today seems to be about the Mont du Chat - the third HC climb that will be followed by what could be a dangerous descent.

Team Sky went up it in the Criterium du Dauphine - but minus Chris Froome.

OJ Borg and Rob Hayles have their wet weather gear on as they look forward to a mountain that is anything but a pussycat.....

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Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist at the Tour de France

Today will be more about defending, although as we have seen before, if Chris Froome senses an opportunity to take time from his closest rivals, he will no doubt take it.

The main concern today for everyone will be the weather with the potential for wet roads on the final decent off Mont du Chat.

Today is more about the lower GC riders, so those looking for a top five or top 10 finish. I think if you have a good day, you'll hold on to your GC, it's about limiting loses rather than gaining time.

But whatever the scenario, it's going to be a tough day for everyone involved. I don't think anyone will finish and say 'that was alright that was'.

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Men with shorts but no tops on are shouting and pursuing bike riders up very steep roads.

You know what that means? We are on the slopes of the Col de la Biche. Sky trying to control the pace at the front of the peloton.

The breakaway is now four minutes clear.

FYI - Steve Cummings is not in the breakaway group, so he'll be hanging around the back of the peloton somewhere, still waiting for the day when it is time to strike for a stage win.

Lilian Calmejane is not in it either and so his grip on the polka dot jersey might not be all that strong.