Chris Froome's hopes of victory fade in Spain
Tuesday 28 March 2017 14:08, UK
Chris Froome's hopes of winning the Volta a Catalunya were dashed after the Team Sky rider lost 26 minutes on the penultimate sixth stage in Spain.
The three-time Tour de France winner could not catch up with the lead group following an early split in the peloton during the 189.7-kilometre stage from Tortosa to Reus.
The Briton, appearing in his first European race of the year, had started the day just 21 seconds behind leader Alejandro Valverde after strong finish on Friday.
But he plummeted down the leaderboard ahead of Sunday's final stage and finished in 74th position, 12 in front of team-mate Geraint Thomas.
Movistar's Valverde takes a 53-second lead into the 138.7km finale after finishing second on stage six, with Daryl Impey (Orica-Scott) taking victory following a sprint.
Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) moved up to second in the general classification standings, with Great Britain's Adam Yates (Orica-Scott) now fourth, one minute and 21 seconds behind Valverde.
