The 216km sixth stage from Vesoul to Troyes began with the news that Sagan’s Bora-Hansgrohe team had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the Slovakian’s reinstatement in the race.

They argued the world champion did not cause the crash of Mark Cavendish on the fourth stage of the race, which ultimately resulted in the Briton suffering a broken shoulder and departing the race.

As part of the appeal, the team claimed Sagan had not been allowed to present his view to a commissaires panel in line with International Cycling Union (UCI) rules.

Their protest was swiftly dismissed as the stage continued.

“The rider and team appealed the exclusion of the rider by the UCI Commissaires Panel on 4 July 2017 following an incident during the sprint phase at the end of the 4th stage of the 2017 Tour de France,” CAS stated.

“Peter Sagan remains disqualified from the 2017 Tour de France.”

France’s Arnaud Démare, who won stage four amid the controversy, eyed another victory when today’s breakaway was reeled in to set up another sprint finish.

A strong effort from Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen to take a surprise long distance sprint win was ultimately foiled as the leading sprinters stormed past.

Démare appeared on course for victory, but Quick-Step Floors’ Kittel came through to take the victory in 5hr, 5min and 34sec.

French national champion Démare ended as the runner-up, while Germany’s Andre Greipel placed third.

The general classification remained unchanged, with Britain’s Chris Froome maintaining the yellow jersey.

The three-time winner is 12 seconds clear of fellow Briton and Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas.

Italy’s Fabio Aru is two seconds further behind in third.

The UCI WorldTour race is due continue tomorrow, with a 213km flat stage from Troyes to Nuits-Saint-Georges.