Froome extends Tour lead with win on Mont Ventoux
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Overall leader's yellow jersey Britain's Christopher Froome rides during the 242.5 km 15th stage of the Tour de France cycling race on July 14, 2013 between Givors and Mont Ventoux, southeastern France. Froome reinforced his grip on the yellow jersey atop Mont Ventoux after winning a dramatic 15th stage. (AFP)
Britain's Chris Froome reinforced his grip on the Tour de France yellow jersey atop Mont Ventoux after winning a dramatic 15th stage on Sunday.
Team Sky leader Froome finished just ahead of Colombian Nairo Quintana of Movistar after attacking a small group of rivals 7.2km from the summit finish of the 20.8km climb to the 'Giant of Provence'.
Spain's former two-time winner Alberto Contador (Saxo) was unable to respond when Froome spun away from a small group of riders having seen many of them drop off the pace following a strong relay from Australian teammate Richie Porte.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Having started the stage 2:48 down on Froome, Contador finished in sixth at 1:40 off the pace and is now 4:25 behind the leader and 11secs adrift of second-placed Dutchman Bauke Mollema.
It is Froome's fourth career stage win on the race and second of the 100th edition after his victory atop Ax-Trois-Domaines in the Pyrenees on last Sunday's eighth stage.