Froome-Quintana battle still looming after calm mountain leg
LE LIORAN, France — The expected battle between Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana at the Tour de France has been put on hold for at least a couple of days.
The leading contenders had a relatively quiet day in the race’s first medium mountain stage Wednesday, content to let Greg van Avermaet complete a successful solo attack and take the overall leader’s yellow jersey. The Belgian rider is not in contention to finish top of the general classification, or GC, when the race ends in Paris.
“For us it’s just about winning the GC and Chris was comfortable. It was not really a day for the big GC guys,” said Geraint Thomas, Froome’s top support rider at Sky. “Obviously some guys lost a bit of time but for Froomey it was just about staying at the front, staying calm and not losing any time to anybody.”
Two-time winner Alberto Contador and 2014 champion Vincenzo Nibali both lost time over the demanding route through the Massif Central.