Chris Froome wins predictable Tour de France

It was billed as the Tour de France to end all Tours but as soon as Chris Froome took the yellow jersey following his daredevil descent into Bagnéres-de-Luchon on stage eight, the race as a spectacle followed a similarly downward spiral.

Alberto Contador was looking for one last Tour victory before he rides into the sunset, Nairo Quintana’s quest for revenge from three years ago was a thrilling subplot, while French favourite Romain Bardet looked ripe to end his country’s 31-year wait for a winner.

There was Irishman Dan Martin seeking to emulate his uncle Stephen Roche’s landmark victory 29 years ago and there were the likes of young pretenders Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange) and former teammate Richie Porte (BMC) all waiting for their chance to shine.