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Nibali wins, Froome nears triumph

Ross DunbarJuly 24, 2015

With two stages left, Froome will need to suffer a slump to keep him away from his second overall Tour de France win. On Stage 19, Italian Nibali took the win with Nairo Quintana speeding in as runner-up.

https://p.dw.com/p/1G4NV
Frankreich Tour de France 2015 19. Etappe Vincenzo Nibali
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/K. Ludbrook

Last year's Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali won his first stage of this year's Tour at La Toussuire as Team Sky's Chris Froome edged closer to his second overall win.

Finishing third, Froome's lead was cut by 30 seconds by runner-up Nairo Quintata to two minutes 38 seconds, but the Brit will continue with the yellow jersey and is on course for overall victory.

The 138-kilometer ride from St Jean de Maurienne is the penultimate Alpine stage with four climbs, including the feared Croix de Fer pass.

Reigning champion Nibali has struggled throughout this year's Tour with a terrible first week essentially taking him out of contention for a second win in a row.

Despite trailing Frenchman Pierre Rolland, the Astana rider moved ahead with around 15 kilometers to go on the final ascent. Froome suffered a small mechanical problem and Nibali pounced to leave the Kenyan-born rider behind.

The Italian attacked confidently and led with Colombian Quintana coming across the line 43 seconds later, stripping vital seconds off Froome's lead with the famous - and decisive - L'Alpe d'Heuz to come on Saturday.