Riblon wins 18th stage

Britain's Chris Froome again left rival Alberto Contador in his wake despite cracking on Thursday's 18th stage of the Tour de France that was won by Frenchman Christophe Riblon.

Froome, in a group of three chasing the leading riders, was clearly in trouble in the final five kilometres as he climbed l'Alpe d'Huez for the second time on the 172.5-km stage.

He sent team-mate Richie Porte back to the team car to fetch some food and drink and the Australian nursed Froome to the line.

Luckily for Froome, his main rival, Contador, had already paid the price for earlier attacks on the mountainous stage and the Spaniard finished almost a minute behind.