Wednesday 20 July 2016 19:53, UK
Adam Yates is optimistic of strengthening his position on the Tour de France podium on Thursday’s uphill time trial after out-climbing his rivals on stage 17.
Although he lost time to runaway race leader Chris Froome, Yates reached the summit finish at Finhaut-Emosson in Switzerland 20 seconds ahead of Nairo Quintana and 32 seconds in front of Bauke Mollema.
The result leaves the 23-year-old Briton just 26 seconds down on second-placed Mollema and 34 seconds ahead of fourth-placed Quintana in third place in the general classification with four stages remaining.
Stage 18 is a 17km uphill time trial from Sallanches to Megeve in the Alps and Yates believes he can make more gains.
He said: "I'm satisfied with my performance [on stage 17]. I took some time on Mollema, but I wasn't thinking of Mollema himself.
"On to the time trial tomorrow and hopefully we can do something there. This time trial suits me more than the other one."
Yates had not been expected to challenge for a place on the podium at the Tour but has been one of the outstanding performers at this year's race and is now firmly on course for a top-three finish.
Froome told ITV Sport: "For his age and for this being the first time he has ridden GC in the Tour, he is riding an absolutely amazing race and long may it continue."
Find out more about stage 18 in our race guide and follow the stage with our live blog from 12pm BST.
