Chris Froome remonstrates with a French policeman who he believed accidentally knocked him off his bike going down the mountain after the end of stage 17 (Photo Albert Secall)

Froome knocked off bike at Tour de France by policeman

Tour de France reigning champion Chris Froome looked none too pleased when he believed he was accidentally knocked off his bike by a policeman going down the finishing climb after today's stage.

Froome was riding down the Col du Portet with what looks like a Team Sky security guard when the mishap happened.

It appears the policeman mistook him for one of the Tour's spectators, who are not permitted to ride down the mountain. He sought to stop Froome, who had no idea what was happening.

And in the confusion Froome came off his bike. He got to his feet immediately and there were no injuries reported.

However, he did not look pleased with the incident. Some of what happen was captured in the video and photos below.

Even before the stage had ended, Geraint Thomas - the Team Sky yellow jersey on the race - was lucky to stay upright just before the finish.

A spectator reached his arm into the road and it appeared to catch Thomas's right arm. There was no harm done but it was undoubtedly a nervous moment for Thomas.

The incident, which was not picked up by the TV cameras, was captured in some photos, below.

Froome's accidental visit to the tarmac

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Geraint Thomas brush with excited fan

As Geraint breaks to secure third on stage and extend his lead, a ‘fan’ tries to grab him and pull him off his bike. #NotACyclingFan #cycling @LeTour @TeamSky ? BMcB #letour2018 #LeTourdeFrance pic.twitter.com/02SGgsQlph

— Phil Walton (@PhilW_lt_n) July 25, 2018