Nairo Quintana, Tour de France stage 20

Colombian climbing sensation Nairo Quintana had already added to his growing reputation with a stunning performance at the Tour de France, paying little heed to the reputations of some of his fellow riders with a string of brave attacks, and looking at ease in the company of the elite climbers on some of the toughest climbs. However, the Movistar man – despite being in the white jersey – was yet to record a stage victory as the 100th Tour entered its penultimate stage, which finished with a climb of Mont Semnoz.

Once again the 23-year-old found himself among the leading group as the summit finish approached, with Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) and team-mate Roman Kreuziger also in the mix alongside overall leader Chris Froome (Team Sky), Froome’s lieutenant Richie Porte and Katusha’s Joaquim Rodriguez. Rodriguez attacked first, bursting with Froome and Quintana on his wheel. The Team Sky man then launched a stunning acceleration – as he had done previously on Mont Ventoux and Ax 3 Domaines. However, on this occasion, Quintana had an answer, fighting his way onto the Kenyan-born Brit’s wheel and, determined not to be denied again, the Colombian launched his own attack with 800m to go. Proving too strong for his elite rivals, Quintana soloed clear, beating Rodriguez by 18 seconds to secure victory in the king of the mountains and young riders classifications, and second spot on the overall podium.