Where victory was sealed Five key stages

Stage 1 Düsseldorf 14km time trial

Froome took the bulk of his time on the very first day, beating Romain Bardet by 39sec and Rigoberto Uran by 51sec. By the time yesterday’s TT came round, the respective gaps were 23sec and 29sec so that first stage proved to be crucial.

Stage 9 Nantua to Chambéry

A day of carnage in the Tour saw riders crashing out left, right and centre. Froome was put under pressure when Fabio Aru attacked him despite a mechanical. The Sky leader swiftly caught back up and made it clear who was boss.

Stage 14 Blagnac to Rodez

After cracking on the climb to Peyragudes on stage 12, surrendering the yellow jersey to Aru, Froome recovered the lost time and more by distancing the Italian on the sprint into Rodez.

Stage 15 Laissac-Sévérac L’Eglise to Le Puy-en-Velay

The closest Froome came to losing the Tour came on stage 15 when he had a mechanical and was distanced by his rivals. He managed to switch rear wheels and get back on before the finish.

Stage 18 Briançon to Col d’Izoard

The last chance for Froome’s rivals to attack him came on the final mountain stage and the summit finish on the Izoard. AG2R tried to set Romain Bardet up for an attack but Sky were live to it and Froome finished with Bardet and Rigoberto.