From Reuters:
Briton Chris Froome took advantage of passive rivals to take the overall leader’s yellow jersey in the 2016 Tour de France as he won the eighth stage after attacking on the final descent on Saturday.
The Team Sky rider sped away from a group of overall favorites at the top of the last of four grueling climbs in the Pyrenees and never looked back as he raced down at breakneck speed towards the line.
The defending champion, who is chasing a third Tour title, finished 13 seconds ahead of Ireland’s Dan Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) and Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha).
Last year’s runner-up Nairo Quintana (Movistar), who failed to attack on a searing hot day, was in the group featuring Martin and Rodriguez.
Double champion Alberto Contador lost further ground after being dropped near the top of the Col de Peyresourde, the last ascent of the 184-km stage.
Stage 8 Brief Results:
- Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 4:57:33″
- Daniel Martin (Ireland / Etixx – Quick-Step) +13″
- Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain / Katusha)
- Romain Bardet (France / AG2R)
- Roman Kreuziger (Czech Republic / Tinkoff)
- Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana)
- Adam Yates (Britain / Orica)
- Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar)
- Bauke Mollema (Netherlands / Trek)
- Richie Porte (Australia / BMC Racing)
General Classification After Stage 8:
- Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 39:13:04″
- Adam Yates (Britain / Orica) +16″
- Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain / Katusha)
- Daniel Martin (Ireland / Etixx – Quick-Step) +17″
- Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) +19″
- Nairo Quintana (Colombia / Movistar) +23″
- Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana)
- Tejay van Garderen (U.S. / BMC Racing)
- Romain Bardet (France / AG2R)
- Bauke Mollema (Netherlands / Trek)