Chris Froome accused his biggest rival for the Tour de France, Alberto Contador, of taking ‘unnecessary’ and ‘uncalculated’ chances after both riders fell towards the end of Stage 16.
Over the line: Rui Costa celebrates as he wins the 16th stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
“I personally think he is, or teams are starting to get desperate now,” said Froome, who was unhurt and finished behind the stage winner Rui Costa with his overall lead intact.
The 28-year-old Briton had to respond to a series of attacks on the climb of the Col de Manse. But the aggressive tactics continued on the descent, with Contador and his team-mate Roman Kreuziger taking turns at trying to escape.
When Contador launched one attack, he went into a corner too fast and lost control, crashing in front of Froome, who had been shadowing him. It forced Froome wide, on to the grass verge, and he toppled over.
Both were quickly back up and apparently unhurt – though Contador seemed to be troubled by an injury to his arm – and they were helped back to the group by Froome’s team-mate, Richie Porte.
But the wearer of the yellow jersey was unhappy at the antics of his rivals, saying: “It seemed Kreuziger and Contador were taking it in turns to come from the back with a bit of acceleration and try to make a small gap on descent, hoping we’d lay off.
“I was aware the attacks would be coming but I didn’t think guys were going to take unnecessary risks today.” – Mail Online
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