Poland’s Rafal Majka celebrated stage 11 victory following a solo attack up the final climb to the line. The victory over the 188 kilometre trek from
ADVERTISEMENTPoland’s Rafal Majka celebrated stage 11 victory following a solo attack up the final climb to the line.
The victory over the 188 kilometre trek from Pau to Cauterets in the Pyrenees was his third win in his Tour career after two victories in last year’s race.
It proved a calm but hot day in the saddle for overall leader and 2013 champion Chris Froome following his spectacular stage ten victory the day before.
The arduous climb up the gruelling Col du Tourmalet took its toll on one title contender as defending champion Vincenzo Nibali lost 50 seconds as he was dropped in the final stretch.
Having made his break on the ascent up the hors category climb Majka continued to set a relentless pace out in front.
A pace no other rider could match.
The Tinkoff Saxo team member, who won the king of the mountains title last year, showed off his climbing skills once again and cruised over the line for a fine victory.
Froome maintained his strangle hold on the leader’s yellow jersey as he crossed over alongside most of his rivals.
He now leads American Tejay van Garderen by two minutes and 52 seconds. Froome’s Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas is fifth overall going into Thursday’s stage 12, a 195km route that features four climbs from Lannemezan to Plateau de Beille.