LA TOUSSUIRE: Reigning champion Vincenzo Nibali won the 19th stage of the Tour de France on Friday as Nairo Quintana clawed back time on race leader Chris Froome.

Italian Nibali went some way to rescuing what has been a difficult Tour defence by claiming a stunning solo victory on the 138km stage from Saint Jean de Maurienne to La Toussuire.

Quintana took second on the stage at 44sec but finished 30sec ahead of third-placed Froome to perhaps reignite the yellow jersey battle.

Colombian Quintana is now 2min 38sec back from the Briton ahead of Saturday’s 20th stage finish on Alpe d’Huez.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2015

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