This is how tough it is when the Tour de France hits the cobbles

There was a distinctly Classics feel to the Tour de France this year, and yesterday's stage from Seraing to Cambrai was the main attraction. With the main challenge being the seven sectors of cobbles along the way, it was an afternoon that saw much of the peloton out of their comfort zone as flyweight climbers battled against classics specialists over the rough roads of northern France.

Once the day's racing was over, the peloton took to Twitter to share their experiences and air their views. We've sifted through the noise to bring you the best rider reactions.

Giant-Alpecin's Simon Geschke won the prize for the most straightforward statement of the day.

Geschke's fellow countryman, Bora-Argon 18's Paul Voss, had a humourous take of the stage.

Last year's runner-up Jean-Christophe Péraud posted before and after shots, noting that he was "less fresh at the arrival in Cambrai".

Cobbled specialist Sep Vanmarcke has found himself on the wrong side of Lady Luck this season, and yesterday was no different as the LottoNL-Jumbo man saw his chances fade thanks to two punctures.

Lotto-Soudal's Adam Hansen, riding his twelfth Grand Tour in a row, didn't enjoy his day either.

Over at Cannondale-Garmin, Ryder Hesjedal's frames were gleaming. The rest of him, not so much.

Movistar's Alex Dowsett was in the wars, injuring his elbow in a crash before soldiering on to last on the day.

The GC men didn't have a lot of fun either. Here's Rigoberto Uran showing off a painful reminder of his day in the saddle.

While Sky's Chris Froome looked back and realised how lucky he was to stay upright this time around.

The final word goes to the day's winner, Etixx-QuickStep's Tony Martin, who finally got the yellow jersey after a series of near-misses during the opening stages of the race.