Chris Froome Wins Stage 15 To Extend Lead Over Alberto Contador

Chris Froome is looking to become the next winner of the Tour de France and he’s well on his way after winning stage 15. The British cyclist is looking to knock off two-time champion Alberto Contador who currently sits in third place.

Contador is now over four minutes behind Froome for the lead, but their rivalry is heating up as the final stages of the historical race are right around the corner. Froome pulled away from the pack during the 15th stage to Mont Ventoux which has added to his advantage while making him the heavy favorite to win it all.

“This is massive. Everyone wanted to win this stage today, on Bastille Day, being on top of Mont Ventoux,” Froome said, according to The Associated Press. “It really was an epic stage today.”

The 28-year-old finished as the runner-up in 2012 to fellow British cyclist Bradley Wiggins, but hes set his sights on winning it all after falling short last year. It’s obvious that Chris Froome isn’t holding anything back and he’s making quick work of the field up to this point.

“It was incredible today, incredible. This is the biggest victory of my career,” he added. “I didn’t imagine this, this climb is so historical. It means so much to this race, especially being the 100th edition.”

His rivalry with Contador has created another storyline at the Tour de France, but the Spaniard’s struggles have kept him off the pace so far. Contador finished around one minute and 40 seconds behind during the 15th stage for a sixth-place finish.

Froome will continue to wear yellow as Bauke Mollema is currently holding second place. Mollema is fighting off Contador and they’re separated by 11 seconds in the general classifications.

Contador’s teammate Roman Kreuziger is in fourth place while Laurens Ten Dam rounds out the top five.

Is Chris Froome in place to win his first Tour de France as Alberto Contador continues to fall behind going into the final stages?

[Image via Thortuck]