Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THOMAS WIN BUT FROOME ‘IS LEADER’
GERAINT THOMAS moved into the Tour de France front-runner’s Yellow Jersey with a stunning ride – but insisted Chris Froome was still the leader of Team Sky’s pack.
On a momentous day for Welsh sport, and alumni of Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, Lions rugby captain Sam Warburton announced his retirement from rugby and a fellow ex-pupil enjoyed his most thrilling day in the saddle.
Thomas could not have pulled off a more fitting tribute to Warburton than reeling in stage leader Mikel Nieve with 400 yards to go on a brutally short, sharp 77-mile ride from Albertville to La Rosiere, 6,000ft up in the Alps.
Froome came home third, 20 seconds back, after launching his own late attack.
The four-time champion now trails Thomas by 1min 25sec in a British one-two at the top of the leaderboard.
And unless Team Sky’s rivals can summon more firepower, starting today on Le Tour’s signature climb of the Alpe d’huez, cycling’s coming home... for the sixth time in seven years. Since 2013, Thomas (wearing the Yellow Jersey, right) has been Froome’s loyal wingman on French terrain, and after his stage 11 win he sidestepped questions about whether he now has a licence to attack the defending champion.
He said: “Froomey is our leader, he has won six Grand Tours, and he knows how to win three-week races.
“For me, whatever happens now, it has been a successful Tour – I’m super-happy to win the stage, take the Yellow Jersey and I would love to stay on the podium for as long as possible.
“But the main thing is winning and Froomey is still our best chance. If I have to pull up towards the end, then I will.”
Thomas, 32, had just signed in ahead of the start when he heard about Warburton’s retirement. He said: “I was surprised, but he’s had an amazing career and captained the Lions on two tours undefeated. I wish him well.”
Froome confirmed Thomas’ late surge had his approval, saying: “It was a spur of the moment thing for us but it made sense, it was perfect.”
But it was a forgettable day for other Brits. Mark Cavendish was timed out of the race, meaning Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins looks safer than ever. And Adam Yates lost four-and-a-half minutes on the final climb.