Chris Froome
Froome withdrew after a second crash during stage five.

Chris Froome has abandoned his bid to retain the Tour de France after falling twice during stage five.

Froome, who sustained hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries after crashing during stage four, came off his bike twice on Wednesday before limping into the Team Sky support car.

The crashes came amid treacherous conditions during the Ypres-Arenberg to Porte du Hainaut stage but before the cobbled areas of the course which is expected to prove difficult for riders on day five.

The 29 year old fell on his left side on Tuesday in a similar fall to which he suffered during last months Critérium du Dauphiné, during which he injured his right wrist.

Following the withdrawal of Mark Cavendish, Andy Schleck and Greg Henderson, Froom becomes the latest high-profile rider to abandone the Tour.

The premature end to Froome's race will raise further questions over Team Sky boss David Brailsford's decision not to selected Sir Bradley Wiggins, the 2012 yellow jersey winner in the team.