The gruelling 181.5 kilometres mountain route from Nantua to Chambéry was billed as one of the toughest stages and it lived up to its billing as Thomas and Porte's Tour de France campaigns came to a premature end.

Following a dramatic journey to the French city, Urán, who rides for the Cannondale-Drapac team, secured an historic win after he pipped Frenchman Warren Barguil in a photo-finish.

Team Sunweb rider Barguil had been celebrating in tears on the line but was adjudged to have finished second behind the Urán.

Amid all the chaos, Froome held on to his overall classification lead, although the Briton was also involved in drama.

Italian rival Fabio Aru attacked when the defending champion had called for the team car due to a mechanical issue - considered a breach of etiquette.

Thomas, second behind Team Sky colleague Froome coming into stage nine, came off in a descent and was forced to abandon the rest of the race.

Australian Porte, among the pre-race favourites, was involved in an horrific crash which saw him depart in an ambulance while wearing a neck brace.

It happened as the BMC Racing rider, travelling at 72 kilometres per hour, misjudged his line down the final descent and skidded across the road into Ireland's Dan Martin.

Martin was not injured in the incident.

BMC Racing team doctor Florence Pommieur confirmed Porte had not suffered concussion.

As Porte lay on the ground and awaited medical treatment, Martin was able to remount and carry on the race.

The crash was not the end of the chaos which marred the brutal ninth stage as photograph was needed to decide the winner.

Barguil thought he had wrapped up an impressive victory but he was beaten by Urán by the narrowest of margins.

After a bruising day on the bike, the riders will have a rest day tomorrow before action is due to resume on Tuesday (July 11) with the 10th stage, a 178km journey from Périgueux to Bergerac.