De Plus fourth after frantic stage 17

Laurens De Plus climbed to fourth on stage 17 of the Tour de France, after a strong ride in the breakaway from him and Geraint Thomas.

The day was frantic from the gun, with Ben Turner ably positioning the team from the flag drop as crosswinds split up the bunch. While it would eventually come back together, the pace remained high, with G, Michal Kwiatkowski, and De Pluski all attempting to make it into a break. 

The peloton were reluctant to let anything go, with a move of four gaining no more than a minute, as the fighting to join them continued behind. 

Eventually, and with only around 50 kilometres of the stage remaining, a huge 48-rider move would go clear, including Geraint and Laurens. The group quickly amassed a large lead as the peloton sat up. 

Thomas would put in a large amount of work for De Plus, as attacks came on the main climb of the day. Laurens would then draw a group clear as he tried to close down eventual stage winner Richard Carapaz (EF - Education). Despite a spirited effort, De Pluski was unable to do so, and would eventually come home fourth.

In the GC group, Carlos Rodriguez would hang tight with those close to him, and maintain his position in the overall standings.