Thomas also won at Alpe d'Huez and incites a power struggle with Sky

Thomas also wins at Alpe d'Huez and instigates a power struggle with Sky

ALPE D & # 39; HUEZ. Not Captain Chris Froome, but his noble badistant currently in yellow at the Tour

Like Wednesday at La Rosière was named after the legendary 21 corners of Winner Geraint Thomas. Image: APA / AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

At Alpe d'Huez, very special stories are always written in the Tour de France. So also yesterday, when the Welshman Geraint Thomas took the victory over the mythical arrival in the mountains. The 32 year old man in yellow was unbeatable at La Rosiere the day before.

The Sky Roof Team is probably on fire now, and not just because of the many boos in the lead for the top team. That Captain Chris Froome remains pbadive, while his years of noble badistants take more and more command, it seems impossible.

Thomas leaves his teammate again on the last meters of the section. In a captivating finale on the 21 legendary bends in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, Thomas won the sprint of a five-man leading group with two seconds ahead of the Dutchman Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb). Third was Romain Bardet (France / AG2R), three seconds behind Froome, four seconds behind Thomas.

"Honestly, I am speechless, I hope to be able to keep the jersey for a few more days," Thomas said. yesterday modest in the finish. The former World Cup champion already has a lead of 1:39 overall minutes on Froome after the three heavy alpine stages. And he says about the distribution of future roles: "We fight in the street." Dumoulin (Sunweb) is 1:50 minutes back. Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain), who crashed four kilometers from the finish, follows Thomas fourth, at 2:37 minutes back. Yesterday, Nairo Quintana broke with six kilometers to go and lost all chances of winning the Tour

Unbeaten Hero of the Day

The Solo Journey of yesterday by Steven Kruijswijk, on the "Hill of the Dutch" in the footsteps of his previous wanted to convert successful compatriots, was rewarded. He was always caught. Before Thomas sits irresistibly on the last meters.

The 13th section today, despite two hills, is probably a sprinters affair. (fei)

How the Story of Team Sky Repeats itself

It was the Tour de France in 2012 when Bradley Wiggins was the first British in history to win the biggest tour cycling world. And only because he had a loyal and loyal help at his side. His name is Chris Froome. The then-unknown badistant put himself entirely at the service of his captain. Although he even made a stronger impression in the mountains than the former Olympic track champion. A year later, Froome was allowed to slip into the lead role and win the tour for the first time.

Other top runners, however, were less able to accept Sky Sky's role. For example, Mikel Landa, who made Tempo for Froome in the mountains last year, moved to Movistar after the season to get more freedom. Richie Porte also joins BMC to become captain. Up to here but with little success.

Show comments »