Froome is big winner as Martin wins stage
Source: AFP |
July 11, 2013, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
TOUR de France leader Chris Froome tightened his grip on the yellow jersey after finishing runner-up to world champion Tony Martin in the 11th stage time trial yesterday.
Martin had set the early pace for the windswept 33-kilometer course from Avranches to Mont Saint-Michel in Normany in 36 minutes and 29 seconds but had a nervous wait as Froome threatened to upset his hopes of victory.
"It was a long wait," said Martin, who started 65th of the 182 starters.
Belgium's Tomas De Gendt, of Vacansoleil, was closest to challenge Martin before Froome went but was 1 minutes 01 seconds slower than the German at the finish line to end up third.
As Martin watched nervously from the hot seat, Team Sky leader Froome came home in second place, 12 seconds back.
However the Kenyan-born Briton's effort meant he finished more than two minutes ahead of principal rival, two-time champion Alberto Contador of Spain, and his compatriot Alejandro Valverde.
Contador, considered Froome's biggest rival ahead of four tough stages in the Alps beginning on Sunday, could only finish 15th at 2:15.
He jumped up two places to fourth overall but has gone from being 1:51 behind to 3:54 in arrears.
Valverde began the day at 1:25 behind Froome but despite remaining in second place overall the Movistar team leader is now 3:25 behind Froome.
Martin had set the early pace for the windswept 33-kilometer course from Avranches to Mont Saint-Michel in Normany in 36 minutes and 29 seconds but had a nervous wait as Froome threatened to upset his hopes of victory.
"It was a long wait," said Martin, who started 65th of the 182 starters.
Belgium's Tomas De Gendt, of Vacansoleil, was closest to challenge Martin before Froome went but was 1 minutes 01 seconds slower than the German at the finish line to end up third.
As Martin watched nervously from the hot seat, Team Sky leader Froome came home in second place, 12 seconds back.
However the Kenyan-born Briton's effort meant he finished more than two minutes ahead of principal rival, two-time champion Alberto Contador of Spain, and his compatriot Alejandro Valverde.
Contador, considered Froome's biggest rival ahead of four tough stages in the Alps beginning on Sunday, could only finish 15th at 2:15.
He jumped up two places to fourth overall but has gone from being 1:51 behind to 3:54 in arrears.
Valverde began the day at 1:25 behind Froome but despite remaining in second place overall the Movistar team leader is now 3:25 behind Froome.
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