UPDATE 4-Cycling-Froome retains lead as Thomas suffers freak crash (Reuters)
(Corrects second and third placings in overall standings in penultimate para) By Julien Pretot GAP, France, July 20 (Reuters) – Chris Froome was reminded just how quickly the Tour de France title could slip from his grip as his Sky team mate Geraint Thomas suffered a freak crash in Monday’s 16th stage. The day’s laurels went to Spaniard Ruben Plaza Molina although the action was way behind as Froome’s key lieutenant Thomas was sent flying off the road. In a tricky final descent Thomas bumped into Frenchman Warren Barguil and collided head first into a telegraph pole, disappearing over the road into the vegetation.