Stage 13 of the Tour de France was mixed for two of British cycling's biggest stars.
While 13 was lucky for Mark Cavendish as he outsprinted Peter Sagan to the finish in Saint-Armand-Montrond and win his 25th TdF stage victory, 13 wasn't so lucky for yellow jersey leader, Chris Froome, as he lost 1 minute 9 seconds of his lead to Alberto Contador who is now only 2 minutes 45 seconds behind in 3rd.
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| Chris Froome and Sky were well behind Alberto Contador and Saxo-Tinkoff today |
Team Sky's dramatic collapse in the last couple of days has suddenly seen the previously indomitable, Chris Froome, look quite vulnerable with the big climbs yet to come - the TdF is probably better for it I believe as Froome's big strength was the support of his team.
Dave Brailsford will be scratching his head overnight to figure out how to turn around Team Sky's form and keep Froome in yellow.
Jack Bauer, recovering from his big crash yesterday in Tours, raced superbly today, helping to set the pace for the chasing pack behind Mark Cavendish's Omega Quickstep and Alberto Contador's Saxo-Tinkoff.
He finished in the yellow jersey group and moved up 15 places to 146th on the overall classification - 1 hour 51 minutes 34 seconds behind Chris Froome - he is now the leading Kiwi in the Tour de France with Greg Henderson down in 162nd, 5 minutes behind.
Yeah Bauer used to be one of those cycle couriers who would pass you on the bus in the Wellington CBD while doing wheelies. He is the ultimate showman.
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