Thomas up to second in Tour de France after dramatic stage 10

Tuesday, 16 July 2019 10:23

Geraint Thomas is followed by Julian Alaphilippe, wearing the yellow jersey (MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP)

Defending Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas is up to second in this year's general classification (GC) after a chaotic 10th stage.

The 33-year-old had started the day fifth overall, but benefitted from a surprising late split in the peloton.

Following a mostly mundane day of riding, the stage exploded into life with 30 kilometres remaining on the journey from Saint-Flour to Albi as the main yellow jersey hopefuls hunted each other on the rural roads.

Wout Van Aert crossed the line first for his maiden stage triumph, with Thomas' 12th place finish enough to see him spring up the GC as a number of his rivals lost time in the crosswinds.

Julian Alaphilippe finished 11th to remain in the yellow jersey, while Jasper Philipsen of UAE Team Emirates claimed an impressive 6th place.

More from Sports News

Iran wait on World Cup progress after draw with Egypt

Iran face an anxious wait to see if they will progress to the World Cupknockout stage after they held Egypt to a 1-1 draw, which ended in dramatic fashion with an apparent last-ditch winner ruled out for offside.
Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to advance to World Cup knockout stage

Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to breeze into the knockout stage of the World Cup, winning Group G to set up a last-32 clash with one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Baena strike sends Spain past Uruguay into World Cup knockouts

Spain edged Uruguay 1-0 on Friday to top Group H and reach the knockout stage of the World Cup, with Alex Baena's first-half strike enough to settle a tense, physical contest and leave Marcelo Bielsa's side out of the tournament.
Jubilant Cape Verde set date with Argentina in World Cup round of 32

Debutants Cape Verde prolonged their World Cup fairytale on Friday as they secured a place in the World Cup round of 32 following a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia to set up an unexpected clash with defending champions Argentina in Miami.
Senegal ring up 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq, keep knockout hopes alive

Substitute Pape Gueye scored a pair of sensational second-half goals from long range, and Senegal got a much-needed boost for their goal differential with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their Group I finale on Friday in Toronto.