Updated July 15, 2017 11:50:52

Fabio Aru kept his composure and the overall lead in an eventful 13th stage of the Tour de France, but the Italian can only count on himself if he is to wear the yellow jersey all the way to Paris.

France's Warren Barguil won the stage on Bastille Day, one minute and 48 seconds ahead of a group containing Aru, as well as defending champion Chris Froome and third-placed Romain Bardet.

While Froome, second overall and six seconds behind, can rely on a strong Team Sky and Bardet has AG2R-La Mondiale teammates to count on, Aru seems exposed.

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He lost Astana teammate Dario Cataldo on Wednesday after the Italian fractured his wrist in a crash and in the 13th stage, from Saint-Girons to Foix, his main lieutenant Jakob Fuglsang dropped out as he could not bear the pain caused by a couple of minor fractures.

"Today I has to follow my main rivals in the general classification," said Aru, referring to Froome, Bardet and fourth-placed Rigoberto Uran.

"I could not respond to every attack."

Had he had a stronger team, Aru would probably not have let Froome's colleague Mikel Landa follow Alberto Contador early on and gain 1:46, which puts the Spaniard only 1:09 adrift in the general classification and now makes him an additional threat.

"He's a very strong rider. Today's situation was special because he was a bit far down in the GC," said Aru of Landa, who started the day 2:55 off the pace.

"How are Sky going to deal with this situation? I don't know, I'll deal with it later."

Aru said Froome was still the main threat.

"Froome remains my main rival but not the only one as the first four riders are all within 35 seconds," he said.

"Landa is here now, but today I could not follow everyone."

The 14th stage is a middle-mountain trek in the Massif Central, and it could prove a very difficult one to control for Astana, who are now down to seven men.

Simon Clarke (Cannondale) is the highest-placed Australian in the general classification in 67th position, 1:27.18 adrift of Aru, while countryman Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) is second on the points standings with 235, trailing German Marcel Kittel (363) from Quick-Step Floors.

Reuters

Topics: cycling, sport, france

First posted July 15, 2017 08:41:57