LA ROSIERE, France (Reuters) - Geraint Thomas is in the perfect position to win a maiden grand tour title after claiming victory on Wednesday's first mountain stage of the Tour de France, but the Briton says compatriot Chris Froome remains the Team Sky leader. Thomas, who won the week-long Criterium du Dauphine last month while Froome was resting after winning the Giro d’Italia, took the 11th stage of the Tour with an impressive attack in the final climb to snatch the yellow jersey. He leads team mate Froome by one minute 25 seconds in the overall standings. Four-time champion Froome, however, is the more experienced rider, having already won all three grand tours.
"Froomey is the leader. He's won six grand tours, he knows how to ride a three-week race,” Thomas told a news conference. "I just had an opportunity. Froomey knows how to win a three-week race. For me it’s already a success. Froomey is still our best chance." With third-placed Tom Dumoulin 1:44 off the pace, Sky have two cards to play in the Tour's tactical battle.
