CARPENTRAS, France, July 14 (UPI) -- Chris Froome emerged with a win in the lengthy Stage 15 of the Tour de France Sunday, strengthening his overall lead in the 100th running of the cycling event.
Britain's Froome got help from Sky Procycling teammates Peter Kennaugh and Richie Porte on the grueling final climb of the 150-mile stage, the longest of the race, clearly outdistancing the field on Mont Ventoux.
His performance over the final 13-mile climb allowed him to finish at 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45 seconds, easily besting Colombia's Nairo Quintana by 29 seconds.
Froome notched his third overall stage victory and second of the 2013 race, extending his overall lead by nearly 2 minutes over Dutchman Bauke Mollema and two-time Tour champ Alberto Contador of Spain.
He now holds a 4:14 lead over Mollema, who finished eighth Sunday, while Contador fell 4:25 behind.
The Briton appeared poised for a victory as the race headed into Monday's rest day.
