Reigning champion Vincenzo Nibali won the 19th stage of the Tour de France cycling classic on Friday as Nairo Quintana clawed back time on race leader Chris Froome.
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Italian Nibali went some way to rescuing what has been a difficult Tour defence by claiming a stunning solo victory on the gruelling 138-kilometre stage from Saint Jean de Maurienne to La Toussuire.
From the word go the racing was on. Quintana put in a big attack and I opted to limit my losses and keep a bit of energy
Chris Froome
Quintana took second on the stage at 44 seconds but finished 30 seconds ahead of third-placed Froome to perhaps reignite the yellow jersey battle.
Reflecting afterwards on a tight stage, overall leader Froome said: “It was a massive day. From the word go the racing was on. Quintana put in a big attack and I opted to limit my losses and keep a bit of energy.”
Colombian Quintana is now 2:38 back from the Briton ahead of today’s 20th stage finish on Alpe d’Huez.
Team Sky rider Chris Froome retains his overall lead despite yielding 30 seconds. Photo: Reuters
But it was the return of the “Shark of Messina” that most animated an enthralling day in the Alps.
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Nibali attacked out of a group of leaders on the hors category Col du Croix de Fer with almost 60km remaining.
