Geraint Thomas says he is 'relishing the Alps' as the 2019 Tour de France heads across the Rhône valley towards a triptych of decisive mountain stages at the end of this week. Meanwhile, race leader Julian Alaphilippe revealed that his team has 'changed the plan' and will ride more tactically to preserve the 'honour' of wearing the yellow jersey. With the riders placed between second and sixth separated by just 39 seconds, Alaphilippe knows that the chasing pack led by defending champion Thomas will be a constant threat to his hopes of ending France's 34-year wait for a home-grown champion

Source: The Guardian July 22, 2019 15:45 UTC