Saturday 30 July
Hurricanes 25-9 Chiefs
Lions 42-30 Highlanders
Saturday, 30 July 2016
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 21 - the run to Paris
Chris Froome became Britain's first three-time winner of the Tour de France when he reached the finish line of the 21-stage race in Paris on Sunday.
The Team Sky rider, who won the 2013 and 2015 races, is the first man to defend his title in more than 20 years.
He finished arm-in-arm with his team-mates behind the peloton after Andre Greipel won the final sprint finish.
"It's an amazing feeling, it could be the first Tour all over again," Froome had said prior to the final stage.
Froome's three victories in four years follows Sir Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Briton to win the race in 2012.
He ended up beating Romain Bardet of France by more than three minutes with Colombia's Nairo Quintana in third and Britain's Adam Yates fourth.
The traditional final stage to Paris began with a processional ride from Chantilly, in northern France, with the winners of the four main jerseys leading the peloton.
Froome, in the yellow jersey, was joined by Yates in the white jersey as best young rider, Slovak Peter Sagan in the green points top and Poland's Rafal Majka in the polka dot king of the mountains jersey.
When the riders reached Paris the pace was increased for nine 6.8km laps of the city centre which culminated in a bunch sprint on the Champs-Elysees.
Froome joining the greats
He becomes just the eighth rider to win at least three Tours de France, joining Belgium's Phillipe Thys, Louison Bobet of France and American Greg LeMond on three.
With disgraced Lance Armstrong's seven 'wins' between 1999-2005 expunged from the record books after he admitted to doping, the record of five Tour wins, held jointly by Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, Belgium's Eddy Merckz and Miguel Indurain of Spain, is very much in Froome's sight.
Indurain was the last man to successfully defend the title, winning five successive Tours from 1991.
"It would be my dream to keep coming back for the next five or six years and give myself the best opportunity of winning again," said Froome after finishing stage 20.
"I can't say the novelty is wearing off. It's such an incredible event and to be in the yellow jersey is every cyclist's dream and the biggest honour in our sport.
"I hope I can be back next year to fight for it again."
How did the other Brits get on?
Yates not only won the race for the best rider under the age of 25, he also finished fourth overall in only his second Tour.
The 23-year-old Orica BikeExchange rider impressed in the mountains and was second for six stages and third for six more before dropping to fourth on stage 19.
"I maintained the white jersey and I'm super happy with that," he said.
"The podium would have been nice but this is the Tour de France. It's only my second attempt. I'm happy with my performance and the team is too."
Mark Cavendish did not make it to Paris this year, abandoning the race to focus on his attempts to win an Olympic medal on the track in Rio next month.
Before he left though, the Dimension Data rider won an incredible four stages to move second overall on 30 - only Merckx has won more with 34.
His victory on stage one saw him wear the yellow jersey as race leader for the first time.
Steve Cummings, a team-mate of Cavendish, finished more than four hours adrift of Froome but won the second Tour stage of his career with a brilliant solo ride on stage seven.
His win was one of a record-equalling seven for British riders, matching the haul in 2012.
Sprinter Dan McLay surprised many with four top-10 finishes in the first week and although the Fortuneo - Vital Concept rider tired as the race wore on the 24-year-old made it to Paris on his Tour debut.
Team Sky trio Geraint Thomas, Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard all rode selflessly to help Froome win the race.
Thomas, who was one of the key riders in the mountains, gave up his bike when Froome crashed on stage 19, while Rowe and Stannard helped shelter their team leader on flatter stages.
He took the race lead after an unexpected attack on the descent into the finish at Bagneres de Luchon on stage eight and extended his lead with a similarly surprising attack in crosswinds with Sagan on stage 11.
However, his good work was nearly undone on the Bastille Day ascent of Mont Ventoux when he crashed into the back of rival Richie Porte, who had collided with a motorbike. With his own bike unusable and a replacement on his team car several minutes away, the race leader began running up the mountain.
After holding off the challenge of rivals Nairo Quintana, Bauke Mollema and Yates in the Swiss Alps on stage 17, Froome won the second individual time trial to build a commanding lead of almost four minutes.
Despite crashing on a treacherous descent on stage 19 and borrowing team-mate Geraint Thomas' bike to ride the final 12km to the finish, Froome managed to extend his overall lead and then defend it on the final stormy day in the Alps, setting up the processional ride in to Paris.
Who won the other jerseys?
World champion Sagan continued his domination of the points classification, which rewards consistently high finishes on each stage.
The Slovak won three stages, had five top-five finishes and won six intermediate sprints to win a fifth green jeresy and is now just one behind Germany's Erik Zabel, who won a record six from 1996.
Majka, who is a Tinkoff team-mate of Sagan, won the polka dot king of the mountains jersey for a second time, beating Thomas de Gendt by 79 points.
The Team Sky rider, who won the 2013 and 2015 races, is the first man to defend his title in more than 20 years.
He finished arm-in-arm with his team-mates behind the peloton after Andre Greipel won the final sprint finish.
"It's an amazing feeling, it could be the first Tour all over again," Froome had said prior to the final stage.
Froome's three victories in four years follows Sir Bradley Wiggins becoming the first Briton to win the race in 2012.
He ended up beating Romain Bardet of France by more than three minutes with Colombia's Nairo Quintana in third and Britain's Adam Yates fourth.
The traditional final stage to Paris began with a processional ride from Chantilly, in northern France, with the winners of the four main jerseys leading the peloton.
Froome, in the yellow jersey, was joined by Yates in the white jersey as best young rider, Slovak Peter Sagan in the green points top and Poland's Rafal Majka in the polka dot king of the mountains jersey.
When the riders reached Paris the pace was increased for nine 6.8km laps of the city centre which culminated in a bunch sprint on the Champs-Elysees.
Froome joining the greats
He becomes just the eighth rider to win at least three Tours de France, joining Belgium's Phillipe Thys, Louison Bobet of France and American Greg LeMond on three.
With disgraced Lance Armstrong's seven 'wins' between 1999-2005 expunged from the record books after he admitted to doping, the record of five Tour wins, held jointly by Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, Belgium's Eddy Merckz and Miguel Indurain of Spain, is very much in Froome's sight.
Indurain was the last man to successfully defend the title, winning five successive Tours from 1991.
"It would be my dream to keep coming back for the next five or six years and give myself the best opportunity of winning again," said Froome after finishing stage 20.
"I can't say the novelty is wearing off. It's such an incredible event and to be in the yellow jersey is every cyclist's dream and the biggest honour in our sport.
"I hope I can be back next year to fight for it again."
How did the other Brits get on?
Yates not only won the race for the best rider under the age of 25, he also finished fourth overall in only his second Tour.
The 23-year-old Orica BikeExchange rider impressed in the mountains and was second for six stages and third for six more before dropping to fourth on stage 19.
"I maintained the white jersey and I'm super happy with that," he said.
"The podium would have been nice but this is the Tour de France. It's only my second attempt. I'm happy with my performance and the team is too."
Mark Cavendish did not make it to Paris this year, abandoning the race to focus on his attempts to win an Olympic medal on the track in Rio next month.
Before he left though, the Dimension Data rider won an incredible four stages to move second overall on 30 - only Merckx has won more with 34.
His victory on stage one saw him wear the yellow jersey as race leader for the first time.
Steve Cummings, a team-mate of Cavendish, finished more than four hours adrift of Froome but won the second Tour stage of his career with a brilliant solo ride on stage seven.
His win was one of a record-equalling seven for British riders, matching the haul in 2012.
Sprinter Dan McLay surprised many with four top-10 finishes in the first week and although the Fortuneo - Vital Concept rider tired as the race wore on the 24-year-old made it to Paris on his Tour debut.
Team Sky trio Geraint Thomas, Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard all rode selflessly to help Froome win the race.
Thomas, who was one of the key riders in the mountains, gave up his bike when Froome crashed on stage 19, while Rowe and Stannard helped shelter their team leader on flatter stages.
He took the race lead after an unexpected attack on the descent into the finish at Bagneres de Luchon on stage eight and extended his lead with a similarly surprising attack in crosswinds with Sagan on stage 11.
However, his good work was nearly undone on the Bastille Day ascent of Mont Ventoux when he crashed into the back of rival Richie Porte, who had collided with a motorbike. With his own bike unusable and a replacement on his team car several minutes away, the race leader began running up the mountain.
After holding off the challenge of rivals Nairo Quintana, Bauke Mollema and Yates in the Swiss Alps on stage 17, Froome won the second individual time trial to build a commanding lead of almost four minutes.
Despite crashing on a treacherous descent on stage 19 and borrowing team-mate Geraint Thomas' bike to ride the final 12km to the finish, Froome managed to extend his overall lead and then defend it on the final stormy day in the Alps, setting up the processional ride in to Paris.
Who won the other jerseys?
World champion Sagan continued his domination of the points classification, which rewards consistently high finishes on each stage.
The Slovak won three stages, had five top-five finishes and won six intermediate sprints to win a fifth green jeresy and is now just one behind Germany's Erik Zabel, who won a record six from 1996.
Majka, who is a Tinkoff team-mate of Sagan, won the polka dot king of the mountains jersey for a second time, beating Thomas de Gendt by 79 points.
Super League final round of regular season 21st July to 24th July
Thursday 21st July
Hull KR 20-24 Leeds Rhinos
Friday 22nd July
Salford Red Devils 20-28 Hull FC
Wigan Warriors 4-23 St Helens
Saturday 23rd July
Warrington Wolves 34-30 Huddersfield Giants
Sunday 24th July
Widnes Vikings 32-4 Catalans Dragons
Wakefield Wildcats 20-46 Castleford Tigers
Hull KR 20-24 Leeds Rhinos
Friday 22nd July
Salford Red Devils 20-28 Hull FC
Wigan Warriors 4-23 St Helens
Saturday 23rd July
Warrington Wolves 34-30 Huddersfield Giants
Sunday 24th July
Widnes Vikings 32-4 Catalans Dragons
Wakefield Wildcats 20-46 Castleford Tigers
Saturday, 23 July 2016
Super Rugby Quarter Finals
Brumbies 9-15 Highlanders
Hurricanes 41-0 Sharks
Lions 42-25 Crusaders
Stormers 21-60 Chiefs
Hurricanes 41-0 Sharks
Lions 42-25 Crusaders
Stormers 21-60 Chiefs
Tour De France 2016 Stage 20
Chris Froome is set to become the first Briton to win three Tour de France titles after safely negotiating a rain-soaked penultimate stage in the Alps.
The stormy weather made for tricky racing on slippery roads but Team Sky's Froome survived the final descent into Morzine to maintain his overall lead.
Froome's advantage over Romain Bardet of four minutes, 11 seconds will not be challenged on the final stage in Paris.
Stage 20 was won by Spanish Movistar rider Jon Izaguirre.
He rode clear of fellow breakaway riders Jarlinson Pantano of the IAM Cycling team and 2014 Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali on the rain-soaked roads to win in four hours, six minutes, 45 seconds.
The stormy weather made for tricky racing on slippery roads but Team Sky's Froome survived the final descent into Morzine to maintain his overall lead.
Froome's advantage over Romain Bardet of four minutes, 11 seconds will not be challenged on the final stage in Paris.
Stage 20 was won by Spanish Movistar rider Jon Izaguirre.
He rode clear of fellow breakaway riders Jarlinson Pantano of the IAM Cycling team and 2014 Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali on the rain-soaked roads to win in four hours, six minutes, 45 seconds.
Friday, 22 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 19
Britain's Chris Froome extended his overall lead of the Tour de France despite crashing on stage 19, which was won by Frenchman Romain Bardet.
Froome, 31, crashed descending in wet conditions, but the two-time champion continued racing after borrowing team-mate Geraint Thomas' bike.
Team Sky's Froome now leads by four minutes and 11 seconds from stage winner Bardet, who is up to second.
Colombian Nairo Quintana is third, while Briton Adam Yates is now fourth.
With two stages now remaining, including the processional finale into Paris on Sunday, Bardet's victory was the first for a French rider in the 2016 Tour.
Treacherous stage leads to several casualties
Froome, who improved his lead by 19 seconds, was one of several fallers in a treacherous end to the 146km stage, as the rain made the road increasingly slippery.
In general classification terms, the biggest casualty was Dutch rider Bauke Mollema, who started the day second overall.
But his fall on one descent meant he finished over four minutes behind Bardet to tumble down to 10th overall, seven minutes and 42 seconds behind Froome.
Compatriot Tom Dumoulin, who has won two stages on this year's Tour and is one of the favourites to win the Olympic time trial in Rio next month, had to withdraw because of an earlier crash.
The 25-year-old suffered what was described as a "severe wrist trauma" but it has not been confirmed whether it was a sprain or fracture.
Froome shows winner's grit once more
Froome's injuries were superficial in comparison, but the rips in his jersey and shorts showed the extent of the slide he took after his front wheel slipped on a white painted line on the road.
He later appeared on the podium to collect a new yellow jersey, as leader of the race, with a bandaged knee.
Astana's Vincenzo Nibali also came down right behind the 2013 and 2015 winner, while BMC's Richie Porte was another leading rider to suffer from a fall.
The fact that Froome stayed in touch with his main rivals was down to two factors: the selflessness of his team-mates and his determination to hold onto the jersey.
With the Team Sky car way behind, Thomas gave up his bike so that Froome did not lose time waiting for a replacement and Dutch team-mate Wout Poels did a sterling job of helping Froome close down the other contenders for the general classification.
But having already run up to the finish of Mont Ventoux on stage 12 after crashing into a motorbike, Froome showed similar resolve as he powered up the 10km climb to the finish, despite Thomas's bike having a different gear set-up and saddle height.
His efforts meant he only lost 10 seconds to Movistar's Quintana, while Thomas lost six minutes.
"Ironically, I was trying to stay safe but I hit one of the white lines and lost my front wheel," Froome said.
"I'm lucky nothing is seriously injured. I lost some skin and banged my knee a little bit but today I'm grateful to have that four-minute advantage to fall on.
"It was great to have team-mates around me, Wout Poels in particular. It feels good to be one day closer to the finish. Today showed exactly why I thought the Tour was not over."
On using Thomas' bike, he added: "I knew the car was quite a while back and my bike wasn't rideable, so thanks a lot to Geraint for his bike. It was alright."
Yates suffers in race for overall podium
In addition to Froome's excellence, Yates' durability has been one of the stories of this year's Tour, surprising everyone by hanging onto an overall podium position until this gripping stage.
He has been dubbed 'the shadow' for his ability to hang on to the yellow jersey group, but the 23-year-old from Bury lost a little ground on the final ascent.
The stage started with a 20-man breakaway, which was slowly clawed back, and it wasn't until the final climb of the day when riders began to make their move.
Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) was the first to make a break, but he was caught and then overtaken by Bardet, who saw his opportunity to attack.
And when Astana riders Joaquim Rodriguez and Fabio Aru, plus Quintana, cranked up the pace, for once, Orica-BikeExchange's Yates could not respond.
He remains in the young riders' white jersey, and is just nine seconds adrift of third-placed Quintana with Saturday's final stage in the Alps to come.
Yates leads South Africa's Louis Meintjes by two minutes, 26 seconds in the race for the white jersey.
Meanwhile, Tinkoff's Rafal Majka took an unassailable lead in the race for the king of the mountains polka dot jersey.
Stage 19 result:
1. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) 4hrs 14mins 09secs
2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa/Katusha) +22secs
3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) Same time
4. Louis Meintjes (SA/Lampre)
5. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +25secs
6. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +27secs
7. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) Same time
8. Wout Poels (Ned/Team Sky) +35secs
9. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) Same time
10. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +52secs
General classification after stage 19:
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 82hrs 10mins 37secs
2. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 11secs
3. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +4mins 27secs
4. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +4mins 36secs
5. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +5mins 17secs
6. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +6mins 00secs
7. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +6mins 20secs
8. Louis Meintjes (SA/Lampre) +7mins 02secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +7mins 10secs
10. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +7mins 42secs
Froome, 31, crashed descending in wet conditions, but the two-time champion continued racing after borrowing team-mate Geraint Thomas' bike.
Team Sky's Froome now leads by four minutes and 11 seconds from stage winner Bardet, who is up to second.
Colombian Nairo Quintana is third, while Briton Adam Yates is now fourth.
With two stages now remaining, including the processional finale into Paris on Sunday, Bardet's victory was the first for a French rider in the 2016 Tour.
Treacherous stage leads to several casualties
Froome, who improved his lead by 19 seconds, was one of several fallers in a treacherous end to the 146km stage, as the rain made the road increasingly slippery.
In general classification terms, the biggest casualty was Dutch rider Bauke Mollema, who started the day second overall.
But his fall on one descent meant he finished over four minutes behind Bardet to tumble down to 10th overall, seven minutes and 42 seconds behind Froome.
Compatriot Tom Dumoulin, who has won two stages on this year's Tour and is one of the favourites to win the Olympic time trial in Rio next month, had to withdraw because of an earlier crash.
The 25-year-old suffered what was described as a "severe wrist trauma" but it has not been confirmed whether it was a sprain or fracture.
Froome shows winner's grit once more
Froome's injuries were superficial in comparison, but the rips in his jersey and shorts showed the extent of the slide he took after his front wheel slipped on a white painted line on the road.
He later appeared on the podium to collect a new yellow jersey, as leader of the race, with a bandaged knee.
Astana's Vincenzo Nibali also came down right behind the 2013 and 2015 winner, while BMC's Richie Porte was another leading rider to suffer from a fall.
The fact that Froome stayed in touch with his main rivals was down to two factors: the selflessness of his team-mates and his determination to hold onto the jersey.
With the Team Sky car way behind, Thomas gave up his bike so that Froome did not lose time waiting for a replacement and Dutch team-mate Wout Poels did a sterling job of helping Froome close down the other contenders for the general classification.
But having already run up to the finish of Mont Ventoux on stage 12 after crashing into a motorbike, Froome showed similar resolve as he powered up the 10km climb to the finish, despite Thomas's bike having a different gear set-up and saddle height.
His efforts meant he only lost 10 seconds to Movistar's Quintana, while Thomas lost six minutes.
"Ironically, I was trying to stay safe but I hit one of the white lines and lost my front wheel," Froome said.
"I'm lucky nothing is seriously injured. I lost some skin and banged my knee a little bit but today I'm grateful to have that four-minute advantage to fall on.
"It was great to have team-mates around me, Wout Poels in particular. It feels good to be one day closer to the finish. Today showed exactly why I thought the Tour was not over."
On using Thomas' bike, he added: "I knew the car was quite a while back and my bike wasn't rideable, so thanks a lot to Geraint for his bike. It was alright."
Yates suffers in race for overall podium
In addition to Froome's excellence, Yates' durability has been one of the stories of this year's Tour, surprising everyone by hanging onto an overall podium position until this gripping stage.
He has been dubbed 'the shadow' for his ability to hang on to the yellow jersey group, but the 23-year-old from Bury lost a little ground on the final ascent.
The stage started with a 20-man breakaway, which was slowly clawed back, and it wasn't until the final climb of the day when riders began to make their move.
Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) was the first to make a break, but he was caught and then overtaken by Bardet, who saw his opportunity to attack.
And when Astana riders Joaquim Rodriguez and Fabio Aru, plus Quintana, cranked up the pace, for once, Orica-BikeExchange's Yates could not respond.
He remains in the young riders' white jersey, and is just nine seconds adrift of third-placed Quintana with Saturday's final stage in the Alps to come.
Yates leads South Africa's Louis Meintjes by two minutes, 26 seconds in the race for the white jersey.
Meanwhile, Tinkoff's Rafal Majka took an unassailable lead in the race for the king of the mountains polka dot jersey.
Stage 19 result:
1. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) 4hrs 14mins 09secs
2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa/Katusha) +22secs
3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) Same time
4. Louis Meintjes (SA/Lampre)
5. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +25secs
6. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +27secs
7. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) Same time
8. Wout Poels (Ned/Team Sky) +35secs
9. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) Same time
10. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +52secs
General classification after stage 19:
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 82hrs 10mins 37secs
2. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 11secs
3. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +4mins 27secs
4. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +4mins 36secs
5. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +5mins 17secs
6. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +6mins 00secs
7. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +6mins 20secs
8. Louis Meintjes (SA/Lampre) +7mins 02secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +7mins 10secs
10. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +7mins 42secs
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 18
Britain's Chris Froome won the stage-18 time trial at the Tour de France to extend his lead in the yellow jersey.
Team Sky's Froome, 31, finished 21 seconds ahead of Dutchman Tom Dumoulin to win the 17km stage in 30 minutes and 43 seconds, with Fabio Aru third.
Froome, the 2013 and 2015 Tour winner, now leads the 2016 edition by three minutes and 52 seconds.
Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands and Briton Adam Yates remained second and third overall respectively.
Team Sky's Froome, 31, finished 21 seconds ahead of Dutchman Tom Dumoulin to win the 17km stage in 30 minutes and 43 seconds, with Fabio Aru third.
Froome, the 2013 and 2015 Tour winner, now leads the 2016 edition by three minutes and 52 seconds.
Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands and Briton Adam Yates remained second and third overall respectively.
Wednesday, 20 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 17
Britain's Chris Froome remained on course for a third Tour de France victory by extending his lead to two minutes and 27 seconds on stage 17.
Russia's Ilnur Zakarin won the stage with a breakaway on the steep ascent to the finish at Finhaut-Emosson, before Froome powered away from his rivals.
Adam Yates, who is third overall, was the only yellow-jersey contender close to keeping up with his fellow Briton.
Bauke Mollema and Nairo Quintana lost considerable time on the race leader.
Katusha rider Zakarin, 26, was 55 seconds clear of Colombian Jarlinson Pantano at the finish, with Poland's Rafal Majka tightening his grip on the polka dot jersey - for the best climber - by coming third.
Froome demoralises rivals
Movistar's Quintana, 26, had been billed as Team Sky rider Froome's biggest threat this year, having finished runner-up to the 31-year-old in 2013 and 2015.
But the Colombian, a notable climber in the mountains, did not have the strength to keep up with Froome, who followed BMC rider Richie Porte in the final 2km of one of the steepest finishes in this year's event.
Trek rider Mollema, who is second overall, had already been dropped by that point and the Dutchman conceded a damaging 40 seconds to Froome, with Quintana losing 28 seconds.
The result, on a 184km stage that started in Berne and, for the first time, remained entirely in Switzerland, could prove to be the knockout blow from Froome.
He now has to survive just three more stages through the Alps before the mainly processional final run-in to Paris on Sunday.
"It was very difficult because of the heat," said Froome. "But my team were incredible, they did an amazing job and I was able to stay with the best."
Yates grows in stature
The only rival who looked capable of coming close to matching Froome was fellow Briton Yates.
The sight of the 23-year-old from Bury, the leading young rider on the Tour, pulling away from the highly rated Quintana was one few expected to see before the event.
This is only Yates' third appearance in a Grand Tour race - after finishing 50th in last year's Tour de France and 82nd in the 2014 Vuelta a Espana - and he was just six seconds behind Froome on the stage, closing the gap to third-placed Mollema to 26 seconds overall.
Yates will be part of Great Britain's road race team at the Rio Olympics next month, where he will support Froome's pursuit of a medal.
Russia's Ilnur Zakarin won the stage with a breakaway on the steep ascent to the finish at Finhaut-Emosson, before Froome powered away from his rivals.
Adam Yates, who is third overall, was the only yellow-jersey contender close to keeping up with his fellow Briton.
Bauke Mollema and Nairo Quintana lost considerable time on the race leader.
Katusha rider Zakarin, 26, was 55 seconds clear of Colombian Jarlinson Pantano at the finish, with Poland's Rafal Majka tightening his grip on the polka dot jersey - for the best climber - by coming third.
Froome demoralises rivals
Movistar's Quintana, 26, had been billed as Team Sky rider Froome's biggest threat this year, having finished runner-up to the 31-year-old in 2013 and 2015.
But the Colombian, a notable climber in the mountains, did not have the strength to keep up with Froome, who followed BMC rider Richie Porte in the final 2km of one of the steepest finishes in this year's event.
Trek rider Mollema, who is second overall, had already been dropped by that point and the Dutchman conceded a damaging 40 seconds to Froome, with Quintana losing 28 seconds.
The result, on a 184km stage that started in Berne and, for the first time, remained entirely in Switzerland, could prove to be the knockout blow from Froome.
He now has to survive just three more stages through the Alps before the mainly processional final run-in to Paris on Sunday.
"It was very difficult because of the heat," said Froome. "But my team were incredible, they did an amazing job and I was able to stay with the best."
Yates grows in stature
The only rival who looked capable of coming close to matching Froome was fellow Briton Yates.
The sight of the 23-year-old from Bury, the leading young rider on the Tour, pulling away from the highly rated Quintana was one few expected to see before the event.
This is only Yates' third appearance in a Grand Tour race - after finishing 50th in last year's Tour de France and 82nd in the 2014 Vuelta a Espana - and he was just six seconds behind Froome on the stage, closing the gap to third-placed Mollema to 26 seconds overall.
Yates will be part of Great Britain's road race team at the Rio Olympics next month, where he will support Froome's pursuit of a medal.
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Mark Cavendish pulls out of rest of TDF to concentrate on Rio
Great Britain's Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the remaining five stages of the Tour de France to concentrate on his preparations for the Rio Olympics.
The Manxman said continuing would have had a "detrimental effect" on his hopes for the Games, which begin on 5 August.
Cavendish won four stages at this year's Tour to increase his tally to 30 overall - second on the all-time wins list behind Belgian great Eddy Merckx.
The Team Dimension Data rider will compete in the omnium in Rio.
The Manxman said continuing would have had a "detrimental effect" on his hopes for the Games, which begin on 5 August.
Cavendish won four stages at this year's Tour to increase his tally to 30 overall - second on the all-time wins list behind Belgian great Eddy Merckx.
The Team Dimension Data rider will compete in the omnium in Rio.
Monday, 18 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 16
Green jersey holder Peter Sagan won a third stage at this year's Tour de France as reigning champion Chris Froome retained the yellow jersey.
Slovak Sagan beat Alexander Kristoff in a photo finish, with the Norwegian initially thinking he had won, after a chaotic end to stage 16 in Bern.
Manxman Mark Cavendish, victorious on Saturday, was in contention with 500m left, but could not mount a challenge.
Froome finished safely to keep his overall lead of one minute 47 seconds.
Britain's Adam Yates remains two minutes and 45 seconds adrift of Froome, who is chasing a third Tour de France victory.
And Sagan's win means he is likely to keep the sprinters' green jersey for the remainder of the Tour after establishing an unassailable lead over Cavendish.
After a tough mountain stage in the Jura region of France on Sunday, the 209km stage into Switzerland's capital was considered an easier day.
But two final climbs, as well as a cobbled section 2km from the end and the tight Bern streets made it a sketchy end to another hot day on this year's Tour.
Stage 16 result
1. Peter Sagan (Svk/ Tinkoff) 4hrs 26mins 2secs
2. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Katusha) same time
3. Sondre Enger (Nor/IAM Cycling)
4. John Degenkolb (Ger/Giant)
5. Michael Matthews (Aus/Orica)
6. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Trek)
7. Sep Vanmarcke (Bel/LottoNL)
8. Maximiliano Richeze (Arg/Etixx - Quick-Step)
9. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor/Dimension Data)
10. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel/BMC Racing)
General classification after stage 16
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 72hrs 40mins 38secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1mins 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
Slovak Sagan beat Alexander Kristoff in a photo finish, with the Norwegian initially thinking he had won, after a chaotic end to stage 16 in Bern.
Manxman Mark Cavendish, victorious on Saturday, was in contention with 500m left, but could not mount a challenge.
Froome finished safely to keep his overall lead of one minute 47 seconds.
Britain's Adam Yates remains two minutes and 45 seconds adrift of Froome, who is chasing a third Tour de France victory.
And Sagan's win means he is likely to keep the sprinters' green jersey for the remainder of the Tour after establishing an unassailable lead over Cavendish.
After a tough mountain stage in the Jura region of France on Sunday, the 209km stage into Switzerland's capital was considered an easier day.
But two final climbs, as well as a cobbled section 2km from the end and the tight Bern streets made it a sketchy end to another hot day on this year's Tour.
Stage 16 result
1. Peter Sagan (Svk/ Tinkoff) 4hrs 26mins 2secs
2. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Katusha) same time
3. Sondre Enger (Nor/IAM Cycling)
4. John Degenkolb (Ger/Giant)
5. Michael Matthews (Aus/Orica)
6. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Trek)
7. Sep Vanmarcke (Bel/LottoNL)
8. Maximiliano Richeze (Arg/Etixx - Quick-Step)
9. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor/Dimension Data)
10. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel/BMC Racing)
General classification after stage 16
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 72hrs 40mins 38secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1mins 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
Sunday, 17 July 2016
The Open 2016 14th July to 17th July 2016
Day 1 report
The Open, round one leaderboard
-8 P Mickelson (US); -5 P Reed (US), M Kaymer (Ger); -4 J Thomas (US), S Stricker (US), B Horschel (US), T Finau (US), S Kjeldsen (Den), A Sullivan (Eng), Z Johnson (US), K Bradley (US)
Selected: -3 J Rose (Eng), S Garcia (Spa); -2 J Donaldson (Wal), R Fowler (US), R McIlroy (NI); -1 B Watson (US); Level C Montgomerie (Sco), D Clarke (NI), J Spieth (US), D Willett (Eng), L Westwood (Eng), D Johnson (US); +2 J Day (Aus)
America's Phil Mickelson carded a 63, the joint-lowest round in major history, to lead on eight under after day one of The Open at Royal Troon.
The 2013 champion said he played "one of the best rounds of his life" but "felt like crying" after missing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th for a 62.
Compatriot Patrick Reed and Germany's Martin Kaymer are second on five under.
England's Andy Sullivan is four under, one ahead of compatriot Justin Rose, while Rory McIlroy carded a 69.
Mickelson made the most of glorious conditions on the west coast of Scotland, covering the front nine in 32 and the usually more treacherous back nine in 31. The 46-year-old made eight birdies and did not drop a shot.
Phil, you made a beautiful read and putt on that last hole, but got absolutely stone-cold robbed.
Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 majors and also shot a round of 63 at the 1980 US Open
Nine players had carded 63s in 144 previous Opens, the last being McIlroy at St Andrews in 2010. But Mickelson's round was the lowest in an Open at Troon.
"It was a fun round," he told BBC Sport. "Yet I still walk away wanting to shed a tear with that putt lipping out.
"I had a chance to do something historical. With a foot to go I thought it was in - I am not sure how it missed. The heartbreak of that is overshadowing my round right now."
Reed made an eagle and five birdies in his five-under-par round, while 2014 Open champion McIlroy was four under at the turn but double-bogeyed the 13th.
World number one Jason Day failed to capitalise on the more forgiving front nine and after eight pars on the homeward nine bogeyed the last to finish two over.
Pre-tournament favourite and reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson started with a 71, the same as two-time major winner and world number three Jordan Spieth, while fellow American and world number five Bubba Watson was five under after six holes before a triple-bogey at the notorious par-three eighth saw him post a one-under 70.
Defending champion Zach Johnson was six under after 16 holes but bogeys on the final two holes saw him join five fellow Americans on four under.
Justin Thomas,Steve Stricker, Billy Horschel, Tony Finau and Keegan Bradley also all shot 67s, while compatriot Rickie Fowler carded a 69.
Players from the United States have won the last six Opens staged at Royal Troon.
Wales' Jamie Donaldson, who has endured a poor season after an incident with a chainsaw damaged his left hand in January, carded a 69.
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, winner of the Claret Jug in 2010, made a hole-in-one at the 14th in his round of 71, the same as England's reigning Masters champion Danny Willett.
Rory prepared for the worst
McIlroy said he was happy with his "solid" start and that he expects scoring to become far more difficult if conditions deteriorate, as they are expected to do on Friday.
"Today was a day where you had to make the most of conditions because I don't think we're going to see the course like this for the rest of the week," said the 27-year-old, who missed last year's Open at St Andrews because of injury.
"I'm hoping some of the weather forecasts I've seen are right and that it's starting to clear up a little in the afternoon. But it's the Open Championship and you know coming here you're going to have to battle the elements somewhat."
Reed staying humble
World number 13 Reed tuned up for Troon with an appearance at the Scottish Open, where he finished tied for 10th in awful weather conditions.
"It was cold, windy, rainy and I didn't see the sun once in Inverness," said the 25-year-old, who is playing in his third Open.
"Today was a lot easier than I had to deal with last week and it allowed me to be a little bit more aggressive with my irons into the greens.
"It's one of those golf courses that allows you to get off to a good start, so that you can get cocky and too careless on the back nine. You have to stay humble."
Rose in the pink
2013 US Open champion Rose, 35, said it was the best he had played for some time, having struggled with a back injury this season.
"The score didn't really reflect how well I played," said Rose, whose top-10 finish last year was his best showing at The Open since tying for fourth as an amateur at Royal Birkdale in 1998.
"Typical me, playing the back nine in fewer shots than the front nine. But I'm certainly happy with the start."
The nature of Troon's Old Course was better demonstrated by South African Haydn Porteous, who went out in 30, including two eagles, and came home in 40.
Not Day's day, Spieth spooked
Day, who missed last year's play-off at St Andrews by one shot before winning the PGA Championship, his first major title, admitted he was struggling with his swing.
"Every time I hit an iron I kept missing everything left and it caught me off guard," said the 28-year-old Australian.
"It's frustrating but the next few days are going to be very difficult and if I can just play good, solid golf I can inch my way back in."
Spieth, who also missed last year's play-off by one shot, was at a loss to explain his poor putting, which is usually his strongest suit.
"My [putting] stroke's been great heading into here," said the 22-year-old, who had 33 putts in his first round, nine more than Reed.
"I was much improved tee to green, struck the ball tremendously well, it just seemed like it didn't want to go in the hole once I got on the greens."
Monty senses danger
Colin Montgomerie, an honorary member of Royal Troon, was first to tee off at 06:35 BST and double-bogeyed the opening hole.
However, the 53-year-old Scot, who came through qualifying, reeled off five birdies to turn in 33 before three bogeys on the back nine gave him a level-par 71.
"You'll see three- and four-under on the way out and then it's a matter of hanging on on the way back," said Montgomerie, a five-time major runner-up.
"And remember, this course hasn't shown its teeth at all. Today was three out of 10. On Friday we're talking seven or eight out of 10, and then it's going to be very different."
Day 2 report
Round 2 leaderboard
-10 P Mickelson (US); -9 H Stenson (Swe); -7 S Kjeldsen (Den), K Bradley (US); -5 Z Johnson (US)
Selected: -4 A Johnston (Eng), S Garcia (Spa); -3 M Kaymer (Ger), M Kuchar (US); -2 D Johnson (US), R McIlroy (NI); -1 R Fowler (US); Level A Scott (Aus), P Harrington (Ire), J Donaldson (Wal); +1 A Sullivan (Eng), D Clarke (NI), J Day (Aus); +2 L Westwood (Eng); +3 L Donald (Eng), J Rose (Eng); +4 G McDowell (NI), C Montgomerie (Sco), P Lawrie (Sco), J Spieth (US), D Willett (Eng), B Watson (US)
American Phil Mickelson leads the Open Championship at the halfway stage, a two-under-par 69 lifting him to 10 under at Royal Troon.
But a six-under 65 from Henrik Stenson left the Swede only one shot behind.
Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (68) and American Keegan Bradley (68) are three shots off the lead, two clear of defending champion Zach Johnson (70).
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy shot 71 in the worst of the weather to finish eight shots off the pace.
Andrew Johnston is the highest-placed Briton on four under, the Englishman recovering from a triple bogey at the fearsome 11th to record an impressive 69.
Meanwhile, Germany's two-time major winner Martin Kaymer got to seven under but triple-bogeyed the 10th and finished with a 73 for three under.
Big beasts blown off course
The wind blew harder and the rain fell heavier after Mickelson reached the safety of the clubhouse, destroying the chances of a host of big names.
World number three Jordan Spieth shot a 75 to finish right on the four-over-par cut line, as did England's Masters champion Danny Willett.
England's former US Open champion Justin Rose shot a 77 to finish three over, while world number one Jason Day battled to a 70 to finish one over.
US Open champion and world number two Dustin Johnson had two double bogeys but still managed a 69 for two under overall.
World number five Bubba Watson holed a birdie at the last to extend his stay. The two-time Masters champion double-bogeyed 11 and struggled to a 76 and four-over total.
Mickelson 'better than ever'
Mickelson, winner of the Claret Jug in 2013, carded a 63 on Thursday, the joint-lowest round in major history and the 46-year-old's 36-hole total of 132 is a record for an Open at Royal Troon.
The five-time major winner told BBC Sport: "If I look back to my mid-30s, I am 35lbs lighter, in better shape than I was and can manage the symptoms of my psoriatic arthritis. I feel stronger and in a better condition than I have ever been.
"I can't see why I can't play my best golf in the coming years. I am optimistic about this week and the coming years and the opportunities to add to my resume."
Phil makes the most of it
Mickelson teed off in overcast but benign conditions and covered the front nine in 33 shots, very nearly acing the eighth hole.
It started to rain when he hit the turn and he dropped his first shot of the tournament at the par-four 12th, but ground things out as others wilted.
Mickelson's feats were brought into sharper focus by the efforts of playing partners Lee Westwood and Ernie Els, who started their rounds on level par.
England's Westwood carded a 73, while two-time Open champion Els shot a five-over 76 and missed the cut by one shot.
So far, so good for Stenson
World number six Stenson, runner-up to Mickelson in 2013, made six birdies and one bogey as his attempt to become the first Scandinavian to win a major title gathered momentum.
"I haven't been in contention for the last six majors so it was a big goal of mine to give myself a good chance here. So far, so good," said Stenson.
"I'm 40, so might only have another dozen goes. So I better start putting myself in position and giving myself chances."
Pure British Beef
The affable Johnston, winner of the Spanish Open in May, is a developing something of a cult following. Johnston is nicknamed 'Beef', which prompted fans to wave burgers at him as he made his way from the 15th green.
"My mum, sister and niece are here," said the 27-year-old Londoner.
"My niece is five. I can hear her shouting out 'Uncle Beef' on every hole. Today she came out with 'Beef to the rescue!' She cracks me up."
Johnston is tied for sixth with Americans Tony Finau (71) and Bill Haas (70), former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (66) and Spain's Sergio Garcia (70).
Big numbers and early baths
South Africa's 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen had five bogeys, a double bogey and a quintuple-bogey nine in a humbling round of 83.
Ben Curtis, Open champion in 2003, recorded a sextuple-bogey 10 at the par-four fourth, hitting his ball into three different bunkers. He also shot an 83.
The last two champions at Troon, Todd Hamilton and Justin Leonard, also missed the cut after finishing six over.
The weekend outlook
There is a slight silver lining for those blown off course on Friday afternoon, with the news the early starters will get the better of the weather on Saturday.
It is forecast to be cloudy but mostly dry in the morning, with the odd bright spell, but the wind is set to get up in the afternoon, with showers also expected.
Day 3 report
The Open, round three leaderboard
-12 H Stenson (Swe); -11 P Mickelson (US); -6 B Haas (US), -5 A Johnston (Eng)
Selected: -3 S Stricker (US); -2 S Garcia (Spa), K Bradley (US); -1 T Hatton (Eng), D Johnson (US), Z Johnson (US); E R McIlroy (NI); +1 J Day (Aus); +2 J Rose (Eng); +4 L Donald (Eng), L Westwood (Eng), R Knox (Sco); +5 J Donaldson (Wal); +7 D Willett (Eng); +12 C Montgomerie (Sco)
Sweden's Henrik Stenson leads American Phil Mickelson by one stroke heading into the final round of the Open Championship at Royal Troon.
The pair traded blows over 18 holes on day three, as Stenson carded a three-under-par 68 for 12 under overall, one shot clear of Mickelson, who shot 70.
American Bill Haas is six shots off the lead after a 69, one clear of England's Andrew Johnston, who posted 70.
Rory McIlroy's hopes faded on day three as he finished on level par after a 73.
JB Holmes is fifth, on four under, after a score of 69, and is one clear of fellow Americans Steve Stricker (68) and Tony Finau (72) and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (75).
Duel in the gloom
Five-time major winner Mickelson, 46, began the day on 10 under par after carding a 63, the joint-lowest round in major history, on day one and scoring 69 on day two.
Stenson, 40, was one shot behind at the halfway stage but found himself one shot ahead on 12 under after birdies on the third and fourth holes.
However, Stenson bogeyed the sixth and the eighth to hand the lead back to his rival, who reeled off nine straight pars between the fourth and 12th.
A birdie at the par-four 13th moved Mickelson two clear, but he then bogeyed the par-three 15th, which Stenson holed in two to draw level once more.
The American then took a one-shot lead with a birdie at the 16th. Things changed round again, though, as he bogeyed the par-three 17th, and Stenson birdied it to lead on his own again.
At the 18th, Mickelson found sand with his approach but he managed to make par after a typically miraculous escape, ensuring he trailed Stenson by only one shot and setting up what promises to be a thrilling duel over the Old Course.
The Swede is bidding to become the first Scandinavian to win a major title, while Mickelson is chasing his second Open win, having beaten Stenson into second place in 2013 at Muirfield.
"I've always thought it's better to be one ahead than one behind," he said.
"I know Phil's not going to back down, and I'm certainly not going to back down either.
"Even though Phil's popular in this part of the world, maybe I'll have a few more Europeans giving me a push and we can get a Ryder Cup atmosphere going."
Should Mickelson win on Sunday, he would be the seventh American in a row to win the Open at Royal Troon.
He said: "I have to get my rhythm back. My rhythm was out of sorts.
"I shot under par and kept myself right in it but I'd love to play the final round like I played the first two and give myself a shot. Hopefully I get dialled back in."
Rory frustrated
Northern Ireland's McIlroy drove the ball beautifully in breezy conditions on the west coast of Scotland but missed a host of birdie chances on the outward nine.
The wind abated as he turned for home but the 2014 champion was unable to make any kind of impression. When he sliced his approach at the 16th, he smashed his three wood into the ground in frustration, causing the head to snap off.
With winds of up to 25mph forecast, tournament organisers decided not to cut or roll the greens before play started, which McIlroy blamed for his indecisive putting.
"When the greens are a lot slower than you're used to, these things can happen," said the four-time major winner, whose last major victory was the USPGA in 2014.
Explaining his club abuse, McIlroy said: "I let one go right with a three iron on the previous hole and I did exactly the same on the 16th. Nobody likes to make the same mistake twice."
Scoring tough in easier conditions
The hopes of a host of big names were wrecked by the weather on Friday afternoon but few of them thrived in better conditions on Saturday morning.
World number one Jason Day (+1) went out in four-under 32 but came back in four-over 39 for a level-par 71.
World number three Jordan Spieth (+5) made four birdies in his first seven holes but dropped four shots around the turn before finishing with a 72.
Reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson (-1) was putting a handy round together, but also carded a 72 after making a triple-bogey at the 11th.
England's Justin Rose (+2) was three under after 15 but dropped three shots at the 16th for a 70, while Masters champion Danny Willett (+7) laboured to a 74.
World number seven Rickie Fowler (+4) made a quadruple-bogey eight at the 11th, the hardest hole on the course, and signed for a 76.
Colin Montgomerie, an honorary member of Royal Troon, stormed off without speaking to the media after a 79 left him propping up the field on 12 over.
Sunday sun?
The Met Office expects it to be dry on Sunday, with some bright or sunny spells. Early afternoon winds of 10-15mph, gusting to 20-25mph, are expected to abate as the day goes on.
Day 4 report
Henrik Stenson hit a sensational eight-under-par 63 to win The Open by three shots after an enthralling final-round tussle with Phil Mickelson.
The Swede birdied four of his final five holes to win his first major with an Open Championship record score of 20 under par at Royal Troon.
Mickelson had an eagle and four birdies in a bogey-free 65 but the American was unable to add to his 2013 Open victory.
American JB Holmes (69) finished a distant third on six under par.
The Open, round one leaderboard
-8 P Mickelson (US); -5 P Reed (US), M Kaymer (Ger); -4 J Thomas (US), S Stricker (US), B Horschel (US), T Finau (US), S Kjeldsen (Den), A Sullivan (Eng), Z Johnson (US), K Bradley (US)
Selected: -3 J Rose (Eng), S Garcia (Spa); -2 J Donaldson (Wal), R Fowler (US), R McIlroy (NI); -1 B Watson (US); Level C Montgomerie (Sco), D Clarke (NI), J Spieth (US), D Willett (Eng), L Westwood (Eng), D Johnson (US); +2 J Day (Aus)
America's Phil Mickelson carded a 63, the joint-lowest round in major history, to lead on eight under after day one of The Open at Royal Troon.
The 2013 champion said he played "one of the best rounds of his life" but "felt like crying" after missing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th for a 62.
Compatriot Patrick Reed and Germany's Martin Kaymer are second on five under.
England's Andy Sullivan is four under, one ahead of compatriot Justin Rose, while Rory McIlroy carded a 69.
Mickelson made the most of glorious conditions on the west coast of Scotland, covering the front nine in 32 and the usually more treacherous back nine in 31. The 46-year-old made eight birdies and did not drop a shot.
Phil, you made a beautiful read and putt on that last hole, but got absolutely stone-cold robbed.
Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 majors and also shot a round of 63 at the 1980 US Open
Nine players had carded 63s in 144 previous Opens, the last being McIlroy at St Andrews in 2010. But Mickelson's round was the lowest in an Open at Troon.
"It was a fun round," he told BBC Sport. "Yet I still walk away wanting to shed a tear with that putt lipping out.
"I had a chance to do something historical. With a foot to go I thought it was in - I am not sure how it missed. The heartbreak of that is overshadowing my round right now."
Reed made an eagle and five birdies in his five-under-par round, while 2014 Open champion McIlroy was four under at the turn but double-bogeyed the 13th.
World number one Jason Day failed to capitalise on the more forgiving front nine and after eight pars on the homeward nine bogeyed the last to finish two over.
Pre-tournament favourite and reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson started with a 71, the same as two-time major winner and world number three Jordan Spieth, while fellow American and world number five Bubba Watson was five under after six holes before a triple-bogey at the notorious par-three eighth saw him post a one-under 70.
Defending champion Zach Johnson was six under after 16 holes but bogeys on the final two holes saw him join five fellow Americans on four under.
Justin Thomas,Steve Stricker, Billy Horschel, Tony Finau and Keegan Bradley also all shot 67s, while compatriot Rickie Fowler carded a 69.
Players from the United States have won the last six Opens staged at Royal Troon.
Wales' Jamie Donaldson, who has endured a poor season after an incident with a chainsaw damaged his left hand in January, carded a 69.
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, winner of the Claret Jug in 2010, made a hole-in-one at the 14th in his round of 71, the same as England's reigning Masters champion Danny Willett.
Rory prepared for the worst
McIlroy said he was happy with his "solid" start and that he expects scoring to become far more difficult if conditions deteriorate, as they are expected to do on Friday.
"Today was a day where you had to make the most of conditions because I don't think we're going to see the course like this for the rest of the week," said the 27-year-old, who missed last year's Open at St Andrews because of injury.
"I'm hoping some of the weather forecasts I've seen are right and that it's starting to clear up a little in the afternoon. But it's the Open Championship and you know coming here you're going to have to battle the elements somewhat."
Reed staying humble
World number 13 Reed tuned up for Troon with an appearance at the Scottish Open, where he finished tied for 10th in awful weather conditions.
"It was cold, windy, rainy and I didn't see the sun once in Inverness," said the 25-year-old, who is playing in his third Open.
"Today was a lot easier than I had to deal with last week and it allowed me to be a little bit more aggressive with my irons into the greens.
"It's one of those golf courses that allows you to get off to a good start, so that you can get cocky and too careless on the back nine. You have to stay humble."
Rose in the pink
2013 US Open champion Rose, 35, said it was the best he had played for some time, having struggled with a back injury this season.
"The score didn't really reflect how well I played," said Rose, whose top-10 finish last year was his best showing at The Open since tying for fourth as an amateur at Royal Birkdale in 1998.
"Typical me, playing the back nine in fewer shots than the front nine. But I'm certainly happy with the start."
The nature of Troon's Old Course was better demonstrated by South African Haydn Porteous, who went out in 30, including two eagles, and came home in 40.
Not Day's day, Spieth spooked
Day, who missed last year's play-off at St Andrews by one shot before winning the PGA Championship, his first major title, admitted he was struggling with his swing.
"Every time I hit an iron I kept missing everything left and it caught me off guard," said the 28-year-old Australian.
"It's frustrating but the next few days are going to be very difficult and if I can just play good, solid golf I can inch my way back in."
Spieth, who also missed last year's play-off by one shot, was at a loss to explain his poor putting, which is usually his strongest suit.
"My [putting] stroke's been great heading into here," said the 22-year-old, who had 33 putts in his first round, nine more than Reed.
"I was much improved tee to green, struck the ball tremendously well, it just seemed like it didn't want to go in the hole once I got on the greens."
Monty senses danger
Colin Montgomerie, an honorary member of Royal Troon, was first to tee off at 06:35 BST and double-bogeyed the opening hole.
However, the 53-year-old Scot, who came through qualifying, reeled off five birdies to turn in 33 before three bogeys on the back nine gave him a level-par 71.
"You'll see three- and four-under on the way out and then it's a matter of hanging on on the way back," said Montgomerie, a five-time major runner-up.
"And remember, this course hasn't shown its teeth at all. Today was three out of 10. On Friday we're talking seven or eight out of 10, and then it's going to be very different."
Day 2 report
Round 2 leaderboard
-10 P Mickelson (US); -9 H Stenson (Swe); -7 S Kjeldsen (Den), K Bradley (US); -5 Z Johnson (US)
Selected: -4 A Johnston (Eng), S Garcia (Spa); -3 M Kaymer (Ger), M Kuchar (US); -2 D Johnson (US), R McIlroy (NI); -1 R Fowler (US); Level A Scott (Aus), P Harrington (Ire), J Donaldson (Wal); +1 A Sullivan (Eng), D Clarke (NI), J Day (Aus); +2 L Westwood (Eng); +3 L Donald (Eng), J Rose (Eng); +4 G McDowell (NI), C Montgomerie (Sco), P Lawrie (Sco), J Spieth (US), D Willett (Eng), B Watson (US)
American Phil Mickelson leads the Open Championship at the halfway stage, a two-under-par 69 lifting him to 10 under at Royal Troon.
But a six-under 65 from Henrik Stenson left the Swede only one shot behind.
Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (68) and American Keegan Bradley (68) are three shots off the lead, two clear of defending champion Zach Johnson (70).
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy shot 71 in the worst of the weather to finish eight shots off the pace.
Andrew Johnston is the highest-placed Briton on four under, the Englishman recovering from a triple bogey at the fearsome 11th to record an impressive 69.
Meanwhile, Germany's two-time major winner Martin Kaymer got to seven under but triple-bogeyed the 10th and finished with a 73 for three under.
Big beasts blown off course
The wind blew harder and the rain fell heavier after Mickelson reached the safety of the clubhouse, destroying the chances of a host of big names.
World number three Jordan Spieth shot a 75 to finish right on the four-over-par cut line, as did England's Masters champion Danny Willett.
England's former US Open champion Justin Rose shot a 77 to finish three over, while world number one Jason Day battled to a 70 to finish one over.
US Open champion and world number two Dustin Johnson had two double bogeys but still managed a 69 for two under overall.
World number five Bubba Watson holed a birdie at the last to extend his stay. The two-time Masters champion double-bogeyed 11 and struggled to a 76 and four-over total.
Mickelson 'better than ever'
Mickelson, winner of the Claret Jug in 2013, carded a 63 on Thursday, the joint-lowest round in major history and the 46-year-old's 36-hole total of 132 is a record for an Open at Royal Troon.
The five-time major winner told BBC Sport: "If I look back to my mid-30s, I am 35lbs lighter, in better shape than I was and can manage the symptoms of my psoriatic arthritis. I feel stronger and in a better condition than I have ever been.
"I can't see why I can't play my best golf in the coming years. I am optimistic about this week and the coming years and the opportunities to add to my resume."
Phil makes the most of it
Mickelson teed off in overcast but benign conditions and covered the front nine in 33 shots, very nearly acing the eighth hole.
It started to rain when he hit the turn and he dropped his first shot of the tournament at the par-four 12th, but ground things out as others wilted.
Mickelson's feats were brought into sharper focus by the efforts of playing partners Lee Westwood and Ernie Els, who started their rounds on level par.
England's Westwood carded a 73, while two-time Open champion Els shot a five-over 76 and missed the cut by one shot.
So far, so good for Stenson
World number six Stenson, runner-up to Mickelson in 2013, made six birdies and one bogey as his attempt to become the first Scandinavian to win a major title gathered momentum.
"I haven't been in contention for the last six majors so it was a big goal of mine to give myself a good chance here. So far, so good," said Stenson.
"I'm 40, so might only have another dozen goes. So I better start putting myself in position and giving myself chances."
Pure British Beef
The affable Johnston, winner of the Spanish Open in May, is a developing something of a cult following. Johnston is nicknamed 'Beef', which prompted fans to wave burgers at him as he made his way from the 15th green.
"My mum, sister and niece are here," said the 27-year-old Londoner.
"My niece is five. I can hear her shouting out 'Uncle Beef' on every hole. Today she came out with 'Beef to the rescue!' She cracks me up."
Johnston is tied for sixth with Americans Tony Finau (71) and Bill Haas (70), former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (66) and Spain's Sergio Garcia (70).
Big numbers and early baths
South Africa's 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen had five bogeys, a double bogey and a quintuple-bogey nine in a humbling round of 83.
Ben Curtis, Open champion in 2003, recorded a sextuple-bogey 10 at the par-four fourth, hitting his ball into three different bunkers. He also shot an 83.
The last two champions at Troon, Todd Hamilton and Justin Leonard, also missed the cut after finishing six over.
The weekend outlook
There is a slight silver lining for those blown off course on Friday afternoon, with the news the early starters will get the better of the weather on Saturday.
It is forecast to be cloudy but mostly dry in the morning, with the odd bright spell, but the wind is set to get up in the afternoon, with showers also expected.
Day 3 report
The Open, round three leaderboard
-12 H Stenson (Swe); -11 P Mickelson (US); -6 B Haas (US), -5 A Johnston (Eng)
Selected: -3 S Stricker (US); -2 S Garcia (Spa), K Bradley (US); -1 T Hatton (Eng), D Johnson (US), Z Johnson (US); E R McIlroy (NI); +1 J Day (Aus); +2 J Rose (Eng); +4 L Donald (Eng), L Westwood (Eng), R Knox (Sco); +5 J Donaldson (Wal); +7 D Willett (Eng); +12 C Montgomerie (Sco)
Sweden's Henrik Stenson leads American Phil Mickelson by one stroke heading into the final round of the Open Championship at Royal Troon.
The pair traded blows over 18 holes on day three, as Stenson carded a three-under-par 68 for 12 under overall, one shot clear of Mickelson, who shot 70.
American Bill Haas is six shots off the lead after a 69, one clear of England's Andrew Johnston, who posted 70.
Rory McIlroy's hopes faded on day three as he finished on level par after a 73.
JB Holmes is fifth, on four under, after a score of 69, and is one clear of fellow Americans Steve Stricker (68) and Tony Finau (72) and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (75).
Duel in the gloom
Five-time major winner Mickelson, 46, began the day on 10 under par after carding a 63, the joint-lowest round in major history, on day one and scoring 69 on day two.
Stenson, 40, was one shot behind at the halfway stage but found himself one shot ahead on 12 under after birdies on the third and fourth holes.
However, Stenson bogeyed the sixth and the eighth to hand the lead back to his rival, who reeled off nine straight pars between the fourth and 12th.
A birdie at the par-four 13th moved Mickelson two clear, but he then bogeyed the par-three 15th, which Stenson holed in two to draw level once more.
The American then took a one-shot lead with a birdie at the 16th. Things changed round again, though, as he bogeyed the par-three 17th, and Stenson birdied it to lead on his own again.
At the 18th, Mickelson found sand with his approach but he managed to make par after a typically miraculous escape, ensuring he trailed Stenson by only one shot and setting up what promises to be a thrilling duel over the Old Course.
The Swede is bidding to become the first Scandinavian to win a major title, while Mickelson is chasing his second Open win, having beaten Stenson into second place in 2013 at Muirfield.
"I've always thought it's better to be one ahead than one behind," he said.
"I know Phil's not going to back down, and I'm certainly not going to back down either.
"Even though Phil's popular in this part of the world, maybe I'll have a few more Europeans giving me a push and we can get a Ryder Cup atmosphere going."
Should Mickelson win on Sunday, he would be the seventh American in a row to win the Open at Royal Troon.
He said: "I have to get my rhythm back. My rhythm was out of sorts.
"I shot under par and kept myself right in it but I'd love to play the final round like I played the first two and give myself a shot. Hopefully I get dialled back in."
Rory frustrated
Northern Ireland's McIlroy drove the ball beautifully in breezy conditions on the west coast of Scotland but missed a host of birdie chances on the outward nine.
The wind abated as he turned for home but the 2014 champion was unable to make any kind of impression. When he sliced his approach at the 16th, he smashed his three wood into the ground in frustration, causing the head to snap off.
With winds of up to 25mph forecast, tournament organisers decided not to cut or roll the greens before play started, which McIlroy blamed for his indecisive putting.
"When the greens are a lot slower than you're used to, these things can happen," said the four-time major winner, whose last major victory was the USPGA in 2014.
Explaining his club abuse, McIlroy said: "I let one go right with a three iron on the previous hole and I did exactly the same on the 16th. Nobody likes to make the same mistake twice."
Scoring tough in easier conditions
The hopes of a host of big names were wrecked by the weather on Friday afternoon but few of them thrived in better conditions on Saturday morning.
World number one Jason Day (+1) went out in four-under 32 but came back in four-over 39 for a level-par 71.
World number three Jordan Spieth (+5) made four birdies in his first seven holes but dropped four shots around the turn before finishing with a 72.
Reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson (-1) was putting a handy round together, but also carded a 72 after making a triple-bogey at the 11th.
England's Justin Rose (+2) was three under after 15 but dropped three shots at the 16th for a 70, while Masters champion Danny Willett (+7) laboured to a 74.
World number seven Rickie Fowler (+4) made a quadruple-bogey eight at the 11th, the hardest hole on the course, and signed for a 76.
Colin Montgomerie, an honorary member of Royal Troon, stormed off without speaking to the media after a 79 left him propping up the field on 12 over.
Sunday sun?
The Met Office expects it to be dry on Sunday, with some bright or sunny spells. Early afternoon winds of 10-15mph, gusting to 20-25mph, are expected to abate as the day goes on.
Day 4 report
Henrik Stenson hit a sensational eight-under-par 63 to win The Open by three shots after an enthralling final-round tussle with Phil Mickelson.
The Swede birdied four of his final five holes to win his first major with an Open Championship record score of 20 under par at Royal Troon.
Mickelson had an eagle and four birdies in a bogey-free 65 but the American was unable to add to his 2013 Open victory.
American JB Holmes (69) finished a distant third on six under par.
Tour De France 2016 Stage 15
Jarlinson Pantano won stage 15 of the Tour de France as defending champion Chris Froome kept the yellow jersey.
Froome was over three minutes behind the winner on the mountainous 160km stage from Bourg-en-Bresse to Culoz, but finished alongside his main rivals.
Colombian Pantano (IAM Cycling) outsprinted Poland's Rafal Majka to claim his maiden Grand Tour stage win.
Dutchman Bauke Mollema and Briton Adam Yates finished in the peloton to stay second and third overall.
Movistar's Nairo Quintana, fourth in the general classification and two minutes 29 seconds behind Froome, is the man most likely to make a move for the yellow jersey, but he showed few signs of attacking in the Jura Mountains.
Froome looking comfortable
With six categorised climbs, including two up the physically testing Grand Colombier, there would have been chances for rivals to try and surprise 2013 and 2015 champion Froome.
But the peloton remained mainly passive, and what few efforts there were to catch out the 31-year-old - one from the Astana team and a solo effort by Romain Bardet - were quickly shut down by the tireless work of Team Sky colleague Wout Poels.
It will take something special to unseat Briton Froome, who leads his closest rival Mollema by one minute 47 seconds.
There have been rumours that 26-year-old Quintana, twice runner-up in the Tour to Froome, has been suffering from illness, but he will need to carve out opportunities when the race moves into the Alps from stage 17.
Thirty becomes two becomes one
Pantano, 27, was the last man standing from an early break that was whittled down from an initial cast of 30 riders.
Tinkoff's Majka was persistently at the front and was leading on his own during the second descent of Grand Colombier - a mountain making only its second Tour appearance - but was caught by Pantano on the way down.
The pair held off a late surge from Alexis Vuillermoz and Sebastien Reichebach, before Pantano sprinted to a first stage win for a Colombian since Quintana's victory on the penultimate day in 2013.
It was also a first stage win in the Tour de France for the IAM Cycling team, giving them a stand-out moment before they fold at the end of the season because of a lack of a secondary sponsor.
"This is incredible. It's a dream come true," Pantano said. "I came to the Tour de France for that, but I didn't believe it could happen. I'm very happy."
Stage 15 result
1. Jarlinson Pantano (Col/IAM Cycling) 4hrs 24mins 49secs
2. Rafal Majka (Pol/Tinkoff) same time
3. Alexis Vuillermoz (Fra/AG2R) +6secs
4. Sebastien Reichenbach (Swi/FDJ) same time
5. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/ Etixx - Quick-Step) +22secs
6. Serge Pauwels (Bel/Dimension Data) +25secs
7. Pierre Rolland (Fra/Cannondale) same time
8. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus/Katusha) +1mins 30secs
9. Daniel Navarro (Spa/Cofidis) same time
10. Tom-Jelte Slagter (Ned/Cannondale) +2mins 8secs
General classification after stage 15
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 68hrs 14mins 36secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1mins 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
6. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 4secs
7. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +4mins 27secs
8. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) +4mins 47secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +5mins 3secs
10. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +5mins 16secs
Froome was over three minutes behind the winner on the mountainous 160km stage from Bourg-en-Bresse to Culoz, but finished alongside his main rivals.
Colombian Pantano (IAM Cycling) outsprinted Poland's Rafal Majka to claim his maiden Grand Tour stage win.
Dutchman Bauke Mollema and Briton Adam Yates finished in the peloton to stay second and third overall.
Movistar's Nairo Quintana, fourth in the general classification and two minutes 29 seconds behind Froome, is the man most likely to make a move for the yellow jersey, but he showed few signs of attacking in the Jura Mountains.
Froome looking comfortable
With six categorised climbs, including two up the physically testing Grand Colombier, there would have been chances for rivals to try and surprise 2013 and 2015 champion Froome.
But the peloton remained mainly passive, and what few efforts there were to catch out the 31-year-old - one from the Astana team and a solo effort by Romain Bardet - were quickly shut down by the tireless work of Team Sky colleague Wout Poels.
It will take something special to unseat Briton Froome, who leads his closest rival Mollema by one minute 47 seconds.
There have been rumours that 26-year-old Quintana, twice runner-up in the Tour to Froome, has been suffering from illness, but he will need to carve out opportunities when the race moves into the Alps from stage 17.
Thirty becomes two becomes one
Pantano, 27, was the last man standing from an early break that was whittled down from an initial cast of 30 riders.
Tinkoff's Majka was persistently at the front and was leading on his own during the second descent of Grand Colombier - a mountain making only its second Tour appearance - but was caught by Pantano on the way down.
The pair held off a late surge from Alexis Vuillermoz and Sebastien Reichebach, before Pantano sprinted to a first stage win for a Colombian since Quintana's victory on the penultimate day in 2013.
It was also a first stage win in the Tour de France for the IAM Cycling team, giving them a stand-out moment before they fold at the end of the season because of a lack of a secondary sponsor.
"This is incredible. It's a dream come true," Pantano said. "I came to the Tour de France for that, but I didn't believe it could happen. I'm very happy."
Stage 15 result
1. Jarlinson Pantano (Col/IAM Cycling) 4hrs 24mins 49secs
2. Rafal Majka (Pol/Tinkoff) same time
3. Alexis Vuillermoz (Fra/AG2R) +6secs
4. Sebastien Reichenbach (Swi/FDJ) same time
5. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/ Etixx - Quick-Step) +22secs
6. Serge Pauwels (Bel/Dimension Data) +25secs
7. Pierre Rolland (Fra/Cannondale) same time
8. Ilnur Zakarin (Rus/Katusha) +1mins 30secs
9. Daniel Navarro (Spa/Cofidis) same time
10. Tom-Jelte Slagter (Ned/Cannondale) +2mins 8secs
General classification after stage 15
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 68hrs 14mins 36secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1mins 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
6. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 4secs
7. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +4mins 27secs
8. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) +4mins 47secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +5mins 3secs
10. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +5mins 16secs
Super League 14th July to 17th July
Thursday 14th July
Hull FC 36-12 Hull KR
Friday 15th July
Leeds Rhinos 18-16 Wigan Warriors
Widnes Vikings 24-32 Salford Red Devils
Saturday 16th July
Catalans Dragons 28-30 Wakefield Wildcats
Sunday 17th July
Huddersfield Giants 18-34 St Helens
Castleford Tigers 26-42 Warrington Wolves
Hull FC 36-12 Hull KR
Friday 15th July
Leeds Rhinos 18-16 Wigan Warriors
Widnes Vikings 24-32 Salford Red Devils
Saturday 16th July
Catalans Dragons 28-30 Wakefield Wildcats
Sunday 17th July
Huddersfield Giants 18-34 St Helens
Castleford Tigers 26-42 Warrington Wolves
Super Rugby final round of group games
Friday
Blues 34-28 Waratahs
Reds 28-31 Rebels
Sharks 40-29 Sunwolves
Saturday
Crusaders 10-35 Hurricanes
Highlanders 25-15 Chiefs
Brumbies 24-10 Force
Stormers 52-24 Kings
Cheetahs 3-18 Bulls
Los Jaguares 34-22 Lions
Blues 34-28 Waratahs
Reds 28-31 Rebels
Sharks 40-29 Sunwolves
Saturday
Crusaders 10-35 Hurricanes
Highlanders 25-15 Chiefs
Brumbies 24-10 Force
Stormers 52-24 Kings
Cheetahs 3-18 Bulls
Los Jaguares 34-22 Lions
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 14
Mark Cavendish won stage 14 of the Tour de France as fellow Briton Chris Froome maintained his overall lead.
Cavendish, riding for Team Dimension Data, won a sprint finish ahead of Alexander Kristoff and Peter Sagan.
It was the Manxman's fourth stage win on the 2016 Tour and his 30th overall, just four behind the record of five-time Tour winner Eddy Merckx.
Froome finished safely in the peloton on the 208km stage from Montelimar to Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux.
The 2013 and 2015 champion crossed the line 60th along with his general classification rivals, so preserved his lead of one minute 47 seconds in the yellow jersey.
Kittel gets shirty with Cavendish
There was a brief wait for confirmation of Cavendish's victory, with officials making sure the 31-year-old had not cut up Marcel Kittel in the sprint to the line.
German Kittel, 28, riding for Etixx - Quick-Step, angrily waved an arm in the air as Cavendish swept past him, indicating he felt his rival had moved into his racing line.
"I followed Kittel and made sure I stayed there. I saw Quick-Step hit out early and knew Kittel would be left out in the front," said Cavendish.
"He kicked off a bit but I was way past him - I think he was just frustrated."
Kettel said: "If you look at the road markings then it's clear that he came out of my slipstream and turned to the right. I had to brake and swerve to avoid falling down."
Cavendish, however, was awarded the win and gave more credence to the belief by many that he is the greatest road sprinter of all time.
With just one stage win on last year's Tour, there had been questions about whether Cavendish still possessed the ability to finish off races.
But he has been by far the best sprinter on this year's Tour, winning four of the six flat stages and outshining rivals Kittel, Andre Greipel and Kristoff.
Will Cavendish make it to Paris?
Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, intends to compete in the iconic sprint on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on the final day of the Tour.
But Cavendish, who rides for Team Dimension Data based in South Africa, will not risk jeopardising his fitness before next month's Rio Olympics, where he will represent Great Britain on the track.
"There's two more sprint opportunities, I think," he said. "Monday in Berne is not an easy sprint but it's a sprint and it's Nelson Mandela Day so it's a big thing for the team.
"Then there's a rest day four days before Paris so I may as well try. I've said I'm not going to put myself over the edge so if I get sick or fall off I won't, but I'm in good shape, the team's in good morale so I'll carry on as long as I can."
Stage 14 result
1. Mark Cavendish (GB/Dimension Data) 5hrs 43mins 49secs
2. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Katusha) same time
3. Peter Sagan (Svk/Tinkoff)
4. John Degenkolb (Ger/Giant)
5. Marcel Kittel (Ger/Etixx - Quick-Step)
6. Andre Greipel (Ger/Lotto)
7. Bryan Coquard (Fra/Direct Energie)
8. Davide Cimolai (Ita/Lampre)
9. Christophe Laporte (Fra/Cofidis)
10. Samuel Dumoulin (Fra/AG2R)
General classification after stage 14
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 63hrs 46mins 40secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1min 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
6. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) +3mins 19secs
7. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 4secs
8. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +4mins 27secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +5mins 3secs
10. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +5mins 16secs
Cavendish, riding for Team Dimension Data, won a sprint finish ahead of Alexander Kristoff and Peter Sagan.
It was the Manxman's fourth stage win on the 2016 Tour and his 30th overall, just four behind the record of five-time Tour winner Eddy Merckx.
Froome finished safely in the peloton on the 208km stage from Montelimar to Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux.
The 2013 and 2015 champion crossed the line 60th along with his general classification rivals, so preserved his lead of one minute 47 seconds in the yellow jersey.
Kittel gets shirty with Cavendish
There was a brief wait for confirmation of Cavendish's victory, with officials making sure the 31-year-old had not cut up Marcel Kittel in the sprint to the line.
German Kittel, 28, riding for Etixx - Quick-Step, angrily waved an arm in the air as Cavendish swept past him, indicating he felt his rival had moved into his racing line.
"I followed Kittel and made sure I stayed there. I saw Quick-Step hit out early and knew Kittel would be left out in the front," said Cavendish.
"He kicked off a bit but I was way past him - I think he was just frustrated."
Kettel said: "If you look at the road markings then it's clear that he came out of my slipstream and turned to the right. I had to brake and swerve to avoid falling down."
Cavendish, however, was awarded the win and gave more credence to the belief by many that he is the greatest road sprinter of all time.
With just one stage win on last year's Tour, there had been questions about whether Cavendish still possessed the ability to finish off races.
But he has been by far the best sprinter on this year's Tour, winning four of the six flat stages and outshining rivals Kittel, Andre Greipel and Kristoff.
Will Cavendish make it to Paris?
Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, intends to compete in the iconic sprint on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on the final day of the Tour.
But Cavendish, who rides for Team Dimension Data based in South Africa, will not risk jeopardising his fitness before next month's Rio Olympics, where he will represent Great Britain on the track.
"There's two more sprint opportunities, I think," he said. "Monday in Berne is not an easy sprint but it's a sprint and it's Nelson Mandela Day so it's a big thing for the team.
"Then there's a rest day four days before Paris so I may as well try. I've said I'm not going to put myself over the edge so if I get sick or fall off I won't, but I'm in good shape, the team's in good morale so I'll carry on as long as I can."
Stage 14 result
1. Mark Cavendish (GB/Dimension Data) 5hrs 43mins 49secs
2. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Katusha) same time
3. Peter Sagan (Svk/Tinkoff)
4. John Degenkolb (Ger/Giant)
5. Marcel Kittel (Ger/Etixx - Quick-Step)
6. Andre Greipel (Ger/Lotto)
7. Bryan Coquard (Fra/Direct Energie)
8. Davide Cimolai (Ita/Lampre)
9. Christophe Laporte (Fra/Cofidis)
10. Samuel Dumoulin (Fra/AG2R)
General classification after stage 14
1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 63hrs 46mins 40secs
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1min 47secs
3. Adam Yates (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs
4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs
6. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) +3mins 19secs
7. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 4secs
8. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +4mins 27secs
9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +5mins 3secs
10. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +5mins 16secs
Friday, 15 July 2016
Tour De France 2016 Stage 13 - Time Trial
Britain's Chris Froome extended his lead in the Tour de France to one minute and 47 seconds by finishing second in the stage 13 time trial.
Froome clocked 51 minutes and 18 seconds for the 37.5km stage from Bourg-Saint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-D'Arc, which Dutchman Tom Dumoulin won in 50 minutes and 15 seconds.
Bauke Mollema finished sixth to go second in the overall standings.
There were doubts the stage would go ahead after Thursday's attack in Nice.
Tour officials decided to continue with the race, with a heightened security presence, after at least 84 people were killed when a lorry drove through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city.
Le Tour reflects
There was a sombre atmosphere at both the start and finish lines on stage 13, with most riders not learning of the news from Nice until they woke up on Friday morning.
"We want this day to be a day of dignity as a tribute to the victims," said race director Christian Prudhomme. "The race must continue."
There was a minute's silence held before the first rider set off on the course, and another minute's silence was observed as the jersey holders stood on stage after the day's racing had finished.
The riders, including Froome, placed their bouquets of flowers on an empty podium in a symbolic tribute for the victims in Nice.
Froome, who lives in Monaco, just 12 miles (20km) from Nice, said: "This is definitely a time for people to stand together. It definitely puts things into perspective for us.
"I'm happy with how the stage went but everyone's thoughts are with the people in Nice. It's a special place for me, close to where I'm based, and I can't imagine what everyone is going through."
Stage winner Dumoulin added: "On one side I'm a very happy man but on the other side it's a very sad day.
"I woke up to the terrible news from Nice and there was a question whether we should race. It was a just decision in the end to race. It's terrible what happened and it shadows the day a lot."
Froome starts to pull away
On the road, it proved to be a crucial day for 2013 and 2015 champion Froome, as he increased his lead on all of his yellow jersey rivals.
Last year the 31-year-old collected the yellow jersey on stage seven and never relinquished it.
And since wearing the maillot jaune on stage eight this year, the Team Sky rider has continued to put more time between himself and the other contenders.
His time trial may have been one minute three seconds slower than Dumoulin's superb stage-winning pace, but he was almost two minutes quicker than Mollema, who is now his closest threat for the overall lead.
Fellow Briton Adam Yates, 23, dropped from second to third, but continues to have a remarkable Tour, finishing seven seconds quicker than the highly regarded Nairo Quintana.
Colombian Quintana looks devoid of form, having been unable to chase Froome, Mollema and Richie Porte up Mont Ventoux on Thursday, and now falling to fourth and two minutes 59 seconds off the lead.
The comprehensive stage victory for Dumoulin strengthens the widely held belief that the 25-year-old has the potential to win a future Grand Tour - which includes the Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta.
Froome clocked 51 minutes and 18 seconds for the 37.5km stage from Bourg-Saint-Andeol to La Caverne du Pont-D'Arc, which Dutchman Tom Dumoulin won in 50 minutes and 15 seconds.
Bauke Mollema finished sixth to go second in the overall standings.
There were doubts the stage would go ahead after Thursday's attack in Nice.
Tour officials decided to continue with the race, with a heightened security presence, after at least 84 people were killed when a lorry drove through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city.
Le Tour reflects
There was a sombre atmosphere at both the start and finish lines on stage 13, with most riders not learning of the news from Nice until they woke up on Friday morning.
"We want this day to be a day of dignity as a tribute to the victims," said race director Christian Prudhomme. "The race must continue."
There was a minute's silence held before the first rider set off on the course, and another minute's silence was observed as the jersey holders stood on stage after the day's racing had finished.
The riders, including Froome, placed their bouquets of flowers on an empty podium in a symbolic tribute for the victims in Nice.
Froome, who lives in Monaco, just 12 miles (20km) from Nice, said: "This is definitely a time for people to stand together. It definitely puts things into perspective for us.
"I'm happy with how the stage went but everyone's thoughts are with the people in Nice. It's a special place for me, close to where I'm based, and I can't imagine what everyone is going through."
Stage winner Dumoulin added: "On one side I'm a very happy man but on the other side it's a very sad day.
"I woke up to the terrible news from Nice and there was a question whether we should race. It was a just decision in the end to race. It's terrible what happened and it shadows the day a lot."
Froome starts to pull away
On the road, it proved to be a crucial day for 2013 and 2015 champion Froome, as he increased his lead on all of his yellow jersey rivals.
Last year the 31-year-old collected the yellow jersey on stage seven and never relinquished it.
And since wearing the maillot jaune on stage eight this year, the Team Sky rider has continued to put more time between himself and the other contenders.
His time trial may have been one minute three seconds slower than Dumoulin's superb stage-winning pace, but he was almost two minutes quicker than Mollema, who is now his closest threat for the overall lead.
Fellow Briton Adam Yates, 23, dropped from second to third, but continues to have a remarkable Tour, finishing seven seconds quicker than the highly regarded Nairo Quintana.
Colombian Quintana looks devoid of form, having been unable to chase Froome, Mollema and Richie Porte up Mont Ventoux on Thursday, and now falling to fourth and two minutes 59 seconds off the lead.
The comprehensive stage victory for Dumoulin strengthens the widely held belief that the 25-year-old has the potential to win a future Grand Tour - which includes the Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta.
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