Nairo Quintana of Colombia and Movistar Team celebrates his victory following stage 18 of the Tour de France in Valloire, France, July 25, 2019. /VCG Photo
Colombian riders grabbed the spotlight in Thursday's stage 18 as Nairo Quintana posted his third stage win and Egan Bernal became yellow jersey Julian Alaphilippe's closest rival in overall standings.
With two competitive stages remaining in the Alps, which is far from Frenchman Alaphilippe’s favorite terrain, second-placed Bernal and third-placed Geraint Thomas trail the world No. 1 by 1:30 and 1:35 respectively.
22-year-old Bernal leapfrogged his Ineos teammate, defending champion Thomas into second place after a powerful attack near the top of the Col du Galibier, gaining 32 seconds over all the main contenders.
Doctors check George Bennett of New Zealand and Team Jumbo-Visma during the Tour de France Stage 18 in Valloire, France, July 25, 2019. /VCG Photo
"Towards the finale, people started struggling and I felt I was in good shape. I waited for the right moment to make my move," said Quintana.
"Now in the Alps, I find climbs that I prefer due to the altitude," the Colombian stage winner added.
However, it was a bad day for New Zealand's George Bennett as he fell off his bike twice during the journey.
The rider first came a cropper around 100km from the end of the 18th stage, after a collision with Ireland's Nicolas Roche.
Fans wait for riders in the mountain during the 18th stage of the Tour de France in Valloire, July 25, 2019. /VCG Photo
He dusted himself off, got back on the bike but was reacquainting himself with the asphalt again on the final descent.
"Absolute arsehole of a day, but nothing that will stop me getting amongst it tomorrow," tweeted the 29-year-old after his double fall.
Bennett finished the day in 27th place, 11 minutes behind stage winner Nairo Quintana.
(With input from agencies)