The Tour de France organisers are keen to avoid another negative story about the yellow jersey.

After Chris Froome told reporters yesterday that a spectator had thrown urine over him and accused him of being a doper, ASO and Sky increased security at the start of today’s stage.

Five policemen kept watch over and guarded the British team’s bus in Mende.

Christian Prudhomme, the race director, had a clear message for the public: “You have to show all the cyclists respect.”

The peloton also came out in solidarity with Froome and condemned yesterday’s events.

Alberto Contador said: “When I heard the news I was ashamed. How can someone come to the Tour to throw urine over a rider? Chris, I’m behind you.”

British sprinter Mark Cavendish added: “It hurts to hear what about what happened to Chris. It’s incredible to think that there are people who want to cause trouble and disrupt this wonderful race.”