Alberto Contador: Jesus Hernandez loss a 'big blow'

Hernandez crashed out during Thursday's 194-kilometre stage from Arras to Reims, sustaining concussion and knocks to his hip and back.

Contador, who is two minutes and 37 seconds back from yellow jersey holder Vincenzo Nibali heading into stage seven, said the loss of good friend Hernandez would affect his chances of contending.

"I have to say that the loss of Jesus is a big blow for the team. I had reserved him for the mountains, it's a shame. I hope that it is not something too serious," Contador said.

"For me it is very hard because I had a big confidence in him but the most important thing is that he will be well and that he will be ready for the Vuelta [a Espana]."

The 243.5km trek from Epernay to Nancy on Friday is Tinkoff-Saxo's first assignment sans Hernandez but Australian Michael Rogers said he is ready to pick up any slack in the Spaniard's absence.

"It's hard to say, I'm good in the mountains but the whole team is not mountain climbers. I guarantee that we will try our best," Michael Rogers told Cyclingnews.

"It's certainly fair to say that it would be better if we were closer but these are the cards that we've got. We're still confident in Alberto that he can make back the time."

Sports director Philippe Mauduit said it was a "sad day" for GC contender Contador.

"Jesus was riding in the far side of the road because of the crosswind and somehow lost control of the bike and he hit the road pretty hard and when I talked to him, he had the symptoms of a concussion," Mauduit said.

"But he's on his way to the hospital at this moment and they will examine him so we'll know for sure. It's a sad day for Alberto and for team to miss a rider but we have to stay focused.

"Tomorrow's stage could be a tricky one and I'm not sure the entire pack is going to cross the finish line in a bunch sprint. We have to stay alert like today and keep Alberto safe."