Cycling-Froome in control as Contador drifts, Van Garderen out (Reuters)
(Adds quotes) By Julien Pretot PRA LOUP, France, July 22 (Reuters) – Chris Froome emerged unscathed from a treacherous 17th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday, retaining his lead while Alberto Contador lost a lot of ground and Tejay van Garderen abandoned the race. American Van Garderen, who was third overall at the start of the 161-km trek from Digne les Bains, pulled out because of sickness with the day’s laurels going to German Simon Geschke after a brave solo raid. “It’s the most beautiful day of my life as a professional rider, it’s surreal,” said Geschke.