Tour de France: Stage 16 – in pictures

Chris Froome passes a roman soldier. There is an explanation: the start town, Vaison la Romaine is a famous Gallo-Roman settlement. Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Nairo Quintana of Movistar looks pensive before the start. Despite his heroics on Mont Ventoux, he's still 5min 42sec down on GC, and today's stage doesn't look like the place to attempt to bring that back. Photograph: Nicolas Bouvy/EPA

Although today features three categorised climbs, including the second category Col De Manse close to the finish, it's unlikely that today will feature in the overall GC battle. Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

It'll be a hard day for Mark Cavendish, with no stage opportunities until Paris, it'll be a case of dragging himself to the final stage to continue his string of Champs Elysee victories. Photograph: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Alberto Contador has a sarnie after the feedzone. Photograph: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images

Chris Froome, surrounded by his Sky team-mates, sits on the front of the bunch – they're unlikely, however, to try to bring back today's break of 24 riders Photograph: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The peloton speed towards Gap as two riders (Blel Kadri of AG2R and Jean-Marc Marino of Sojasun) attack at the foot of the Col De Manse Photograph: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

And it's all kicked off… If this Tour's taught us anything it's not to assume anything. An attempt by Katusha to set up Joaquim Rodriguez saw a break in the yellow jersey group, followed up by multiple attacks by Alberto Contador. There will be changes in the top 10 tonight. Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

Rui Costa attacks over the last climb – a great season for the Portuguese rider after successfully defending his title at the Tour de Suisse Photograph: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The GC group on the final climb. Notably absent from the bunch is Dutchman Laurens Ten Dam, who now drops to sixth place. Photograph: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters

Contador with one of many attacks on the main field. Nothing stuck, but they did damage lower down in the GC. Photograph: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Rui Costa crosses the finishline. A great tactics for Movistar after they also manage to move Nairo Quintana up on GC. Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Arthur Vichot descending with style, on a day when descending turned out to be the issue of the day. Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images