Froome will not back off
from EDDIE KIRK CHRIS FROOME survived an attempted coup and overcame mechanical issues to retain his 18-second lead in the Tour de France.
Froome, who reclaimed the yellow jersey on Saturday, maintained his advantage over Italy’s Fabio Aru after yesterday’s 15th stage.
Dutchman Bauke Mollema won the 189.5km ride from Laissac-Severac L’Eglise to Le Puy-en-Velay for his first ever stage win.
But the action was elsewhere as Froome kept his cool in the heat of the battle.
Froome was first caught at the end of a split caused by AG2R-La Mondiale.
And the French team continued to press the pedals when the race leader suffered mechanical problems just before the key climb of the day.
Froome, who was even booed by some spectators, needed a wheel change when the race was approaching the Col de Peyra Taillade.
It cost him almost a minute but he spent the next eight kilometres chasing his way back to the group of main contenders.
Froome said: “There’s never a dull moment on this Tour. I had to change my back wheel and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
“All of the guys helped me as much as they could and I’m hugely grateful. They managed to do all they could to keep me in the front group.
“The whole team has been just amazing. All in all I am just happy to have got through without any major losses.
“I’m going to pass out tonight. I’m knackered.”
Frenchman Romain Bardet is five seconds off Aru in third place.
After today’s final rest day there will be six further stages. The race finishes in Paris on Sunday.