See the brutality of the Tour de France and courage of the riders

THE 105th Tour de France might be the most brutal and dramatic in recent history with a series of crashes and bizarre incidents in the opening fortnight. Check out all the highlights in our picture special.

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July 25, 2018 - 11:24AM

PHILIPPE Gilbert’s spectacular and horrifying crash and subsequent withdrawal from the Tour de France is just the latest in a long list of falls at this year’s race.

The 105th edition of Le Tour might be the most brutal in recent history.

The drama began on Stage 1 with Chris Froome hitting the deck late in the stage and the following day saw the first retirements with Luis Leon Sanchez suffering a broken elbow and Tsgabu Grmay ill.

TEAR GAS: “MY EYES ARE BURNING”, MORE TOUR DRAMA

BIG FALL: GILBERT’S FINISHES STAGE AFTER HORROR CRASH

DISASTER: CRASH ENDS PORTE’S TOUR HOPES AGAIN

Since some of the Tour’s biggest names have fallen, including Aussie hope Richie Porte and fellow maillot jaune contenders Rigoberto Uran and Vincenzo Nibali.

Adding to the drama, Gianni Moscon was disqualified for punching a rival and on Wednesday morning, riders were caught up in a cloud of tear gas.

Check out some of the best (worst) pictures so far. GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING