The most notable rider to leave the race was the Tour's first yellow jersey, the battered and bruised American David Zabriskie (CSC). His decision to stop was alerted to all via Radio Tour at 11.28 a.m., just 20 minutes into the stage.

His decision to abandon was due to his inability to fully recover from the heavy injuries he sustained in his team time trial crash on stage 4 which cost him the yellow jersey.

Before the stage start in Gérardmer, Zabriskie told reporters. "I hope I'm better today; it's been a real big roller coaster for me this past week. I finished yesterday, and we'll see what happens today."

News of Zabriskie's withdrawal shocked Voigt who was only told of it by a journalist in his stage winner's press conference. "I am really surprised," said the German rider. "Yesterday, he rode about 120 of the 228km by himself. I guess he has never had time to recover [from his injuries]. I really feel for him.

"Whatever happens he is still my hero. Hey, he beat Lance Armstrong [in the time trial] and that doesn't happen often."