Richie Porte remains on track for a podium finish heading into the most gruelling stage of the Tour de France.
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On a 16th stage that saw Germany's Bora Hansgrohe rider Lennard Kaemna claim his first stage win, Porte finished nearly 17 minutes back alongside his general classification contenders.
The Hadspen 35-year-old remains two minutes and 13 seconds behind Team Jumbo-Visma's yellow jersey holder Primoz Roglic.
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"It's always tricky the day after the rest day to see how the legs respond," Porte said.
"I think as a team we did a super job today, we were always up in the front. The big guys, Mads [Pedersen], Eddie [Theuns] and Jasper [Stuyven], were absolutely brilliant in fighting for position.
"It was a day that really could have been super hard or gone the way it did. In the final you saw it wasn't super easy, but I felt pretty good."
The 17th stage takes in a former ski slope among nearly nearly 40km of eight per cent climbs and looms as crucial for Porte's podium hopes.
"Tomorrow is really one of the most crucial stages, so I hope to have good legs. I'm motivated and looking forward to it," he said.
GC STANDINGS
- 1. Primoz Roglic 70h 7' 27"
- 2. Tadej Pogacar + 40"
- 3. Rigoberto Uran + 1' 34"
- 4. Miguel Angel Lopez + 1' 45"
- 5. Adam Yates + 2' 03"
- 6. Richie Porte + 2' 13"
- 7. Mikel Landa + 2' 16"
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