Zakarin takes stage 17 as Froome boosts lead

If anyone was to attempt to drag the yellow jersey off Froome’s back, this was the stage to start doing it. However, no one went on the attack against the Team Sky rider and he ended up pulling away from his rivals on the final ascent to increase his lead to two minutes 27 seconds.

The grueling 184 kilometer hike from the Swiss capital Bern to Finhaut-Emosson featured two energy-sapping major climbs late on, but defending champion Froome mastered them in his inimitable style to finish 11th on the stage.

Zakarin of Katusha reached the finish line first for the maiden Tour stage win of his career. His early breakaway was almost caught late on as he painfully struggled on the final climb – the steepest of the whole stage – but he ended up winning by 55 seconds from Jarlinson Pantano.

Astana had control of the peloton but a botched changeover allowed Sky to take charge before a sudden burst by the Movistar team.

However, Froome did not panic and boosted the tempo at exactly the right time, leaving supposed general classification rival Nairo Quintana trailing in his wake. He now looks unstoppable in his pursuit of a third title.

Thursday’s 18th stage is another tough day in the mountains with the last individual time trial of the three-week race. Although the route from Sallanches to Megeve is only 17 kms long, it is a near constant climb and plays right into Froome’s hands.