Froome fends off attacks

Chris Froome fended off numerous attacks in maintaining his commanding lead on Thursday’s final stage in the Pyrenees.

The 30-year-old’s Team Sky squad, with Richie Porte and Geraint Thomas to the fore, successfully nullified attempted attacks by Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana as Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) won stage 12 to Plateau de Beille.