Chris Froome is edging ever closer to securing Tour de France success after seeing off the challenge of his nearest rivals on the penultimate mountain stage to Le Grand-Bornand.
Froome has long been favourite to upgrade last year's runners-up position and with two stages remaining enjoys a comfortable five minute and 11 second advantage over second placed Alberto Contador.
It was expected that the yellow jersey would be repeatedly attacked during a 204.5km stage that included four demanding climbs and was made more demanding by heavy rain.
But the British rider now has just one mountain stage to complete before Sunday's traditional procession into Paris and concluding bunch sprint finish.
"I was ready for anything after the way the Tour has gone," said Froome.
"There was a lot of climbing and, with bad weather forecast, it had the potential to get out of hand. The guys did take it up and attack on the final climb and go pretty quickly down the other side, so I am relieved to get through it.
"But I don't want to get complacent at this stage. Tomorrow's stage is only 125km but it is still one more day to get out of the way before relaxing and heading into Paris."
© Sportsbeat 2013