Nat Bromhead
Orica-Scott’s Simon Yates will enjoy a reprieve during today’s second rest day of the 2017 Tour de France after gaining precious time on the final climb of Sunday’s tough stage and holding 7th place overall.
Trek-Segafredo’s Bauke Mollema won Stage 15 with a thrilling solo breakaway as those vying for top overall results jostled on the brutal climbs. Overall race leader Chris Froome didn’t have the best of days, losing one minute to a mechanical and being returned to the fold by strong Spanish teammate, Mikel Landa.
Yates Holds White Jersey
Crossing the line 6 minutes & 25 seconds behind Mollema, Simon Yates cemented his hold on the white ‘best young rider’ jersey competition, now with a lead of more than three minutes.
“I like to race aggressively and today was one of those days I could do that,” said 24yo Yates, who’s just over two minutes behind Froome.
“I was trying to sneak away, like I did the other day, and get some seconds. It didn’t work out, but that’s OK, it’s worth trying and I gave it a go,” he added. “I had good legs and you look at how close the race is. I could have possibly gained 10 seconds, 15 seconds maximum, but I think every second will count when it comes to Paris.”
Tour de France – Stage 15 Results
1. Bauke Mollema (Trek Segafredo) 4:41:47
2. Diego Ulissi (UAE Emirates) +0:19
3. Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) +0:19
Tour de France – General Classification after stage 15
1. Chris Froome (Team Sky) 64:40:21
2. Fabio Aru (Astana Pro Team) +0:18
3. Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) +0:23
7. Simon Yates (ORICA-SCOTT) +2:02
