Italy's Fabio Aru is still 18
seconds down on Tour de France leader Chris Froome after
Tuesday's 16th stage, won by Australian sprinter Michael
Matthews in a photo-finish.
Following the second rest day, the stage travelled to
Romans-sur-Isère a day before the Alps 'usher in' the peloton.
Aru will have a chance to fight for his first Tour win over
three-time and defending champion Froome in two huge mountain
stages Wednesday and Thursday although the penultimate stage, a
time trial around Marseille Saturday, favours the Briton.
Wednesday's 17th stage will take the riders over the fearsome
2,642-metre Galibier peak where Aru is sure to attack, closing
with a 28-kilometre descent to ski resort Serre Chevalier, while
Thursday's 18th stage offers the last summit finish against the
dramatic backdrop of the Col d'Izoard at 2,360 metres.
The Tour ends with a ceremonial run-in to Paris on Sunday.
Tuesday was Matthews's second stage win this year.
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