Fraile is anything but
MENDE, France: Spain’s Omar Fraile powered to victory with a late burst in the last climb of the 14th stage of the Tour de France, a 188km ride from SaintPaulTroisChateaux, on Saturday.
The Astana rider caught Belgian Jasper Stuyven near the top of the Cote de Croix Neuve, a 3km ascent at an average gradient of 10.2%, and did not look back as he crossed the line.
France’s Julian Alaphilippe was the fastest in the climb, but he made his move slightly too late and finished 6sec behind, just ahead of Stuyven.
Briton Geraint Thomas kept the yellow jersey after finishing ahead of his main rivals.
‘‘Winning a Tour de France stage is the best for a professional rider,’’ said Fraile, who also has a Giro d’Italia stage win to his name.
‘‘When I attacked I was not sure I would be able to keep my advantage. I knew Alaphilippe was coming strong.’’
All three featured in an early breakaway that built a lead over the main pack of almost 20 minutes, although none of the 32 escapees were a threat in the general classification.
Welshman Thomas retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey with a 1min 39sec lead over team mate and defending champion Chris Froome, with Dutchman Tom Dumoulin in third place, 1min 50sec off the pace.
Only Slovenian Primoz Rog lic, who is fourth overall, gained some time on the main contenders when he attacked in the final climb.
Today’s 15th stage is a 181km hilly ride from Millau to Carcassonne, before the second rest day and three stages in the Pyrenees that could shake up the overall standings.