Tour de France: Dan Martin fighting on but Froome standing firm

Dan Martin is closing in on Ireland’s best overall result at the Tour de France since his uncle Stephen Roche won the race 30 years ago — but he will not emulate him by claiming the yellow jersey.

Martin is currently sixth on the General Classification with three days to go, 2´56” behind race leader Chris Froome (Team Sky) who survived a relentless day of attacks on the final mountain stage of this year´s race.

The 179.5-kilometre contest from Briancon to the top of the Hors Categorie-ranked Izoard was really the last chance for anyone with visions on the yellow jersey to try something.