Tour de France: Chris Froome in command as Paris nears

Romain Bardet claimed his first ever stage win on yesterday’s 18th stage of the Tour de France as Chris Froome maintained his commanding advantage to move a step closer to a second title in Paris on Sunday.

France made it a 1-2 as Pierre Rolland (Europcar) crossed the line around a half a minute further back to take second.

Ag2r La Mondiale rider Bardet attacked the remnants of the day’s main break just before the summit of the Hors Category Col du Glandon with 40 kilometres to go, chiselled out an advantage of around 40 seconds on the descent and held on to the finish in St Jean de Maurienne.