This image sums up Chris Froome‘s valiant defensive ride on Sunday’s stage nine, as he attentively tracks Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde, who is in turn being pulled along by teammate Ruben Plaza. Sky’s team leader never let Valverde out of his sight all day.

Froome (in yellow) pays close attention to Movistar’s Ruben Plaza (front) and Alejandro Valverde (middle) (Image: ASO)