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Sylvain Chavanel suffered a fractured skull two months ago after crashing into a team car. Today he broke away from the field and opened up a three-minute lead and will wear the maillot jaune tomorrow for the first time in his decade-long pro career.

Fractured skull to the leader of the most grueling race in the world in just a couple of months. I’m really starting re-think who the baddest of the bad asses are in pro sports.

UPDATE: Add Christian Vande Velde and Tyler Farrar to this list.

Christian Vande Velde suffered a left eyelid laceration requiring multiple stitches, along with two broken ribs.

Tyler Farrar sprained his left elbow and suffered a significant hematoma and abrasion. He also fractured his left wrist and suffered multiple other contusions and abrasions.

David Millar, who did not go to the hospital for x-rays, suffered a potential broken rib.

All nine Team Garmin-Transitions riders completed today’s stage, demonstrating courage and commitment to their team, the sport, and the Tour de France. [via]