Britain's Chris Froome has been forced to withdraw from the 2014 Tour de France after crashing twice on stage five from Ypres to Arenberg.

Froome had been nursing an injury from stage four and crashed early in the second stage on French soil, conducted in rain-drenched conditions and featuring nine sectors of pave in its 155-kilometre length. 

The 29-year-old defending champion rejoined but crashed again with 69-kilometres to go, before the race reached the much-anticipated cobbled sectors. 

Following consultation with Team Doctor Alan Farrell and Sports Director Nicolas Portal, Froome climbed into the team car, putting an end to his hopes of a title defence.