Any thoughts of a gentle easing back into racing after Monday’s rest day were quickly crushed on stage 16 as a series of attacks and counter-attacks spread riders all over the road into Gap.
Rui Costa (Movistar) eventually attacked solo and rode to victory alone, but there was still plenty of time for drama as yellow jersey Chris Froome and two-time winner Alberto Contador unclipped on the final descent.
Read what Froome, Contador, world road race champion Philippe Gilbert and others made of an explosive stage 16, as the 100th Tour de France rides ever closer to Sunday’s finish on the Champs-Elysees.
