NIMES, France (AP) – Alexander Kristoff of Norway captured his second stage win of this year’s Tour de France by leading a pack that dramatically overtook two breakaway riders with only about 50 meters left in Stage 15 on Sunday.
Vincenzo Nibali finished in the main pack to keep the overall lead.
After two days in the Alps, Sunday’s stage offered some relief over a flat 222 kilometers (138 miles) from Tallard, southeast France’s parachuting capital, toward the city of Nimes – known for its Roman arena and bullfighting.
Kristoff, a Katusha rider who also won Stage 12, lifted a fist after leading a bunch of sprinters who surged ahead of the two breakaways – Swiss champion Martin Elmiger and Jack Bauer of New Zealand – who had led the stage virtually since the starter’s gun.
“It was a little bit late for comfort. It was very close,” said Kristoff. “I thought I would be second … we turned on the gas.”