Team Sky’s Chris Froome says he will tighten his stranglehold on yellow jersey and increase his lead in Wednesday’s time trial at Tour de France.

Froome kept out of trouble on stage 10 to retain his lead of one minute and 25 seconds over Alejandro Valverde in second but is now hoping to extend it.

The 33km (20.5mile) individual time trial will finish in Mont Saint Michel and Froome believes it will be a great opportunity to boost his general classification chances.

“It is definitely a day where I will try and extend my lead,” Froome said. “It is definitely a day that could help the general classification. I definitely want to go for it.”

Meanwhile, Mark Cavendish has been cleared of any blame after being involved in the crash that left Tom Veelers in a crumpled heap on the tarmac as they sprinted for the line at the end of stage 10.

Marcel Kittel took the win, edging out Andre Greipel, but Cavendish’s chances of claiming a second stage win of this tour all but ended following the collision with Veelers.

Cavendish, who will not be punished for his involvement in the incident, later tweeted: “Just seen the sprint. I believe I didn’t move line.

“I’m actually coming past Veelers and we touch elbows when he moves. Anyway, hope he’s OK.”

Peter Sagan, who finished the stage in fourth, still leads the race for the green jersey after amassing 269 points, with Greipel in second on 186 and Cavendish third on 166.