Wiggins in sight of glory as Voeckler takes stage 16

French rider Thomas Voeckler powered home in the Pyrenees to win the 16th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday. Britain's Bradley Wiggins tightened his grip on the Yellow Jersey, finishing around seven minutes behind the winner.

Yellow jersey holder Wiggins repelled a number of attacks by Vincenzo Nibali on the fourth and final climb to come over the finish with his Italian rival and Sky teammate Chris Froome around seven minutes behind a triumphant Voeckler.

Defending champion Cadel Evans of BMC finished nearly 12 minutes behind Voeckler and nearly five minutes behind Wiggins' group after being dropped for good on the Col du Peyresourde.

The 35-year-old Australian, drops from fourth overall to seventh at 8:06 behind Wiggins and virtually ends his bid to defend his 2011 title.

"I had a few stomach issues before the race and when you have that two hours before there's not a lot you can do," said Evans.
"I didn't think it would affect me in the race but obviously that's not my normal level and it's pretty much the Tour de France over for me."