Vincenzo Nibali’s stage-winning attack a cheap shot, Chris Froome fumes
Race leader Chris Froome hit out at defending Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali for launching his stage-winning attack just when the Briton suffered a mechanical problem on Friday.
The incident was reminiscent of that on the 2010 Tour when Alberto Contador attacked Andy Schleck as the Luxembourg rider, then wearing the yellow jersey, had problems with his chain.
It seems to me that Nibali had the whole climb to attack but he chose the moment I had a mechanical to make his move
The Spaniard then went on to win the race although he was later stripped of the title following a positive dope test with Schleck promoted from second to take the honours.
“It’s pretty self-explanatory really, going up to the Col de la Croix de Fer I had a mechanical problem,” said Froome after the 19th stage.
“A piece of asphalt got stuck between my brakes and my rear wheel and the rear wheel just jammed up. I had to stop and get it out before I could continue.
“It seems to me that Nibali had the whole climb to attack but he chose the moment I had a mechanical to make his move and I’ve heard from other riders that he turned and attacked. In my opinion it’s very unsportsmanlike.
