Nibali tightens grip on yellow jersey

Vincenzo Nibali is refusing to take anything for granted despite seizing control of this year’s Tour de France with his third stage victory yesterday.

The Team Astana rider stretched his lead at the top of the standings to three minutes 37 seconds after powering away from his rivals in the final phase of the hors categorie climb to Chamrousse.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) moved up to second place on what proved a dismal day for Richie Porte, with the Team Sky leader trailing in over nine minutes behind Nibali and slumping to 16th place overall — having started the day in second place.