Chris Froome strengthens grip on Vuelta a España red jersey as Vincenzo Nibali dropped on stage 18

Chris Froome extends his lead to 1-36 going into final three stages

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Chris Froome (Team Sky) made amends for losing time on Wednesday's stage to Los Machucos by distancing Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) on the final climb of stage 18 to extend his lead out to 1-37 on a stage won by Sander Armée (Lotto-Soudal) from the day's early break.

The red jersey had come under pressure on two of the day's three earlier climb, as Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) and Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) launched a number of attacks, before Fabio Aru (Astana) was able to get away with around 40km remaining.

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