Chris Froome took another big step towards a third Tour de France title but Australia’s Richie Porte is also emerging as a potential podium finisher in Paris.
Froome dropped his main rivals in the finale of the 17th stage, a 184-km mountain trek won by Russian Ilnur Zakarin on Wednesday.
Froome (Team Sky) attacked inside the last two km in the last ascent, a punishing 10.4-km climb at an average gradient of 8.4 per cent and Dutchman Bauke Mollema, second overall, as well as last year’s runner-up Nairo Quintana, could not follow.
The Briton finished on the wheel of former team mate Porte (BMC), the only rival Froome didn’t manage to shake.
Froome leads Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) by 2:27 and compatriot Adam Yates by 2:53, according to provisional results.
delbeato
Roar Guru
Yep. Mr AAP didn't watch the footage I reckon!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah that's what I would have said.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Shouldn't that say Richie Porte attacked inside the final two km and Froom was able to with him but not any of Froome's rivals?