While Cummings shrugged off his rivals up the imposing Col d’Aspin to claim victory by more than a minute, Adam Yates required four stitches after a freak collision with the flamme rouge one kilometre from the finish of stage seven. I hit something then the next thing I know I’m on the floor.
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Crouched over his handlebars for extra aerodynamics, he opened a 20-second lead and used his time trial qualities to resist the chase, posting a sixth career stage win on the Tour.
“I have no doubt people out there will already be calculating my VAM (velocity ascended meters per hour) going down that last climb, and saying that it was off the charts”, Froome said sarcastically, flashing a wide smile. “It’s the third time that I’ve lost ground when we have arrived in the Pyrenees”.
Organisers said they would take into account the times at the 3km mark.
Prudhomme climbed aboard the Orica team bus to see Yates and told reporters: “I went to shake hands with him and say sorry”.
Steve Cummings once again showed his breakaway abilities as the Briton stormed to a solo victory on the seventh stage of the Tour de France in Lac de Payolle. ‘I needed a win, I didn’t want a win, ‘ said Cummings.
After Martin and Majka were also brought back, Michael Morkov became the first rider to abandon the race, a week after injuring his right leg in a crash during the first stage in Normandy. I signed for this team [Orica-Bike Exchange] with that objective and the progression was always to be a GC rider so obviously that’s the end objective.
“It scared me”, Team Sky director Dave Brailsford said. It was therefore a surprise their team leader Thibaut Pinot was the first big rider to crack, dropping off the back of the main bunch. Valverde ([10.00]), Froome ([13.00]) and Quintana ([16.00]) are top of most lists, as the best in-form climbers in the race.
The downhill finish has led some to suggest that this will not be a significant day in the General Classification, but I think that underestimates the nature of the climbing on offer.
“I’ve got the same sensations as at the Dauphine (a warm-up race to the Tour in June)”.
Nibali attacked the break with 40 kilometres to go, provoking a split of three off the front with Navarro, Matti Breschel (Cannondale-Drapac) and Antoine Duschesne (Direct Energie) swiftly gaining a decent advantage.
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However, the veteran Grand Tour rider wasn’t about to turn down a chance at a stage win.
