Cycling
Team Sky puts in work to protect Froome’s lead
LA MURE, France – Simon Spilak won the fifth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine on Thursday, while Team Sky riders worked hard to protect Chris Froome’s overall lead.
Spilak, the Katusha rider from Slovenia, completed the 117.7-mile stage from Sisteron to La Mure in 4 hours, 51 minutes, 24 seconds.
Alberto Contador attacked on the descent of Col de la Morte to build a lead of 57 seconds over Froome, 15 miles from the finish. But Sky riders Mikel Nieve Iturralde and Richie Porte led the pack on the Col de Laffrey to catch Contador.
Froome, the 2013 Tour de France winner, remained 12 seconds ahead of Contador and Wilco Kelderman in the overall standings.
Associated Press
