Geraint Thomas suffered a third crash of the Tour de France but was cleared to continue on stage 16.

The defending champion went to ground with 127 kilometres to go on the 177km route starting and finishing in Nimes on Tuesday.

Thomas was checked over by the Team INEOS doctor before he continued racing.

The Brit was brought back into the peloton by his team-mates as he battles it out for the yellow jersey five days before the race finishes in Paris.

Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe started the final week with a lead of a minute and 35 seconds over Thomas.

Crash for @GeraintThomas86! But it doesn't appear too serious for the defending champ, who is soon back on his way. 

Plus de peur que de mal pour Geraint Thomas. Après une chute, le tenant du titre repart sans trop de difficultés. #TDF2019 pic.twitter.com/EjCivc9aBC

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 23, 2019