Geraint Thomas extended his lead in the Tour de France as defending champion Chris Froome faltered on the final climb on Stage 17.
The 32-year-old Welshman, who is chasing his first Grand Tour victory, leads team-mate Froome by two minutes and 31 seconds with four stages left.
Thomas’ closest General Classification rival is now Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, who is one minute and 59 seconds behind.
Nairo Quintana held off UAE Team Emirates’ Dan Martin to win the 65km (40-mile) stage.
Featuring a Moto GP-style grid start, the shortest stage of the modern era began with Thomas on his own in front of the rest of the field.
After three brutal climbs in quick succession, separated by twisting technical descents, he had strengthened his hold on the yellow jersey with a commanding ride that showed his all-round ability and no sign of weakness.
Only four stages separate him from the podium in Paris.
With Thursday’s day on the flat expected to be a sprint contest, Friday’s racing, which includes an ascent of the Col du Tourmalet, looks like being the last significant risk to Thomas’ bid for the yellow jersey.
It is followed by an individual time trial and the ceremonial final stage on the Champs Elysees on Sunday.
