Chris Froome works with Bardet, but is surprised to see Aru dropped in the Tour de France

Tour de France leader Chris Froome says that he agreed to work with GC rival Romain Bardet to distance other riders, including Fabio Aru, in the Alps

Fabio Aru, Tour de France 2017

(Image credit: Yuzuru Sunada)

Chris Froome (Team Sky) imagined that he would end the day in the Serre-Chevalier Alpine Ski resort with three rather than two rivals breathing down his neck as he fights for a fourth Tour de France title.

Italian Fabio Aru (Astana), however, has slipped behind in the race's general classification. Instead of the top four separated by 29 seconds after stage 17 over the Galibier, three are within 27 seconds. Froome, as always, remains in charge.

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