Team confident over injured Evans

Evans received treatment in the saddle from Tour doctor Gerard Porte

Leading Tour de France contender Cadel Evans avoided serious injury in a heavy crash during Sunday's ninth stage.

The Australian, who rides for Lotto, suffered cuts and bruises down his left side but allayed fears that he had broken his left shoulder in the fall.

Marc Sargeant, Lotto's team director, said: "The doctor assured us that it is not fractured. It's hurting him, but he was the first to say 'It's OK guys'."

Evans is in second place, six seconds behind overall Tour leader Kim Kirchen.

He managed to get back on his bike and finish Sunday's stage in 23rd without losing any time despite his injuries.

As Evans crossed the finish line, he screamed at his bodyguard to "make sure nobody touches my left shoulder" as camera crews swarmed around him.

Tour race doctor Gerard Porte, who treated the 31-year-old, said he has multiple cuts on the shoulder, elbow, hips, knees, but they are not too deep."

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on stage nine

However, Porte added: "Cadel is worried as he wonders whether he can climb (the mountains) properly. Then there are the side effects with recurring pain."

Evans and the rest of the field face a daunting 10th stage from Pau to Hautacam in the Pyrenees on Monday, including two hors categorie climbs.

The Lotto team's website carried a statement which said: "Hopefully, Cadel will stand tomorrow's ride to Hautacam. The following rest day will do him good."

Team-mate Christophe Brandt was just in front of Evans when he fell and says he saw a bag caught in the Australian's front wheel.

"His front wheel stopped and he went over the bike," Brandt said.

"He was in a bit in trouble - when you crash at this speed, you can't be good. We tried to reassure him. Tomorrow is another day, I think it will be better."