Chris Froome explains his dummy attack on the Grand Colombier (video)

Chris Froome pretended to fly off the front of the peloton on stage 15 of the Tour de France, and he explained just why he did it

None of Chris Froome's rivals had made a move on the race leader, so the Team Sky leader pretended to have a go himself on the Grand Colombier climb.

The Tour de France yellow jersey holder had ridden with the likes of Richie Porte (BMC) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar) on his wheel all day and wanted to see what reaction he would get if he pretended to go off the front near the top of the climb.

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"I just wanted to see exactly what the state of play was, to see what reaction I'd get, to see who would be looking to follow me.

"It was interesting to see Nairo was on my wheel and that he was able to follow me quite quickly. It was just to get an idea to see who might make a move over the top."

Froome has form for attacking over the top of a climb in this race, having sped off the front and holding his advantage on the Col de Peyresourde in the Pyrénées on stage eight.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.