‘Not over yet’: Froome

RACE favourite Chris Froome warned “it’s not over yet” as he powered back following his early struggles in the Giro d’Italia by winning the prestigious 14th stage to the summit of the imposing Monte Zoncolan on Saturday.

The four-time Tour de France winner won the stage following a thrilling duel with fellow Briton Simon Yates, of Mitchelton, who finished second to extend his overall lead on his key rivals.

Pink jersey wearer Yates crossed the line six seconds behind Froome after the gruelling final 10km climb with a 11.9 per cent gradient, reputedly one of the toughest in Europe.

It was the second time that two British riders have achieved a Giro first and secondplace finish after Alex Dowsett and Bradley Wiggins in 2013.

Italy’s Domenico Pozzovivo finished in third place, 23 seconds behind the Froome.

“It’s a really special feeling to win at the top of this climb, especially after the hard start I’ve had,” Froome said.

The team Sky rider was no longer among the candidates for the podium after his two falls in the first week and his difficulties in summit finishes.

“It’s such a monumental climb in this Giro d’Italia,” continued Froome.

“I did the recon and I believed that with four kilometres to go was the right place to attack. Right to the line, Simon Yates was just behind me. It’s a relief to win here.”

The two British riders had a thrilling duel until the final bend on Zoncolan. Yates had painstakingly closed the gap which had peaked at 15 seconds after Froome started 4.2km from the line.

“I tried to go for the stage. I did my best to catch Chris,” said Yates.

“I just didn’t have enough to get it. But as far as the Maglia Rosa (pink jersey) is concerned, it’s all good to be second here.”

At 1730 metres altitude, Yates gained time on all his leading rivals. Defending champion Tom Dumoulin, of the Netherlands, crossed in fifth but trails Yates by one minute 24 seconds in the overall standings. It was the first stage win on the Giro for 32year-old Froome, but he remains three minutes, 10 seconds behind Yates in the overall standings.

“This is going to give me a confidence boost for the final part of the Giro,” said Froome, who was helped by Dutch teammate Wout Poels who was impressive in the first half of the climb.

Froome is bidding to become the first rider to win three Grand Tours in a row since Frenchman Bernard Hinault in 1982 and 1983.