TV commentators in shock as Chris Froome runs up Mont Ventoux

The extraordinary sight of cyclist Chris Froome in the Tour de France yellow jersey running up Mont Ventoux without a bike will go down as one of the most bizarre episodes in the race's history.

The moment, which followed the British cyclist's crash with a motorbike, produced some memorable commentary from astonished commentators. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"97403","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]

You don't need a degree in French to appreciate the astonishment in the commentator's voice as he realises what is happening, or to understand his description of events as "incredible", "unimaginable" and "surreal".

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There was widespread incredulity on rival channel RTS Un as well, with the commentary team spluttering their surprise at the sight of Froome pelting towards the finish line. "Froome's on foot... what is happening?" was their opening gambit. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"97398","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]

The Italian commentator also initially had trouble processing what was happening, blurting out: "No" on seeing the yellow jersey on foot, before admirably regaining his composure to describe it as "a disaster". [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"97399","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]

True to form, the Dutch TV team were more laidback, with the commentator at one point paraphrasing Shakespeare in typically sardonic fashion: "My kingdom for a fiets [bike]," he remarked. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"97400","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]

Even the typical British reserve was lost for a second as the British TV team realised what was happening. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"97401","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]