Russell happy with Tour outcome

Rotherham's Downing finished 39th on the 198km stage from Middlesbrough to Scarborough, more than 18 minutes behind the winner, for 41st place in the overall standings.

The stage's six categorised climbs gradually whittled down riders until just three were left, Frenchman Thomas Voeckler emerging victorious to take the stage win and overall victory.

Downing said that while it was not a good day on Sunday, the team could take heart from Chris Lawless grabbing two top-ten finishes in the first two stages.

"It wasn't a good day, it was a brutal stage, it wasn't so much of the climbing, just the positioning," said the veteran pro.

"It was a good outcome though for the team, we got two top-tens and Stephen Williams was at the sharp end of the race so it's not bad."

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