Chris Froome
Froome's lead increased as the Briton strengthened his grip on victory. Getty Images

Chris Froome increased his general classification lead as Steve Cummings became the 12th Briton to win a stage of the Tour de France.

The Team Sky rider shrugged off an attack from rival Nairo Quintana on the short 1.8m uphill climb to the stage 14 finish in Mende.

The duo sprinted home together as Froome increased his advantage to three minutes 10 seconds.

Froome now lead from Quintana after the Colombian's attack saw him leapfrog American Tejay van Garderen who was dropped on the climb.

But the day also belonged to Cummings who swooped to victory on an airfield for the biggest win of his career.

The Liverpool-born rider got his Tour comeback after his African-registered MTN-Qhubeka team were given a wild card to the 102nd Tour.

And Cummings bagged the dream win for the team with a stunning burst just 0.6m from the finish.

The former Team Sky rider blasted past the French duo of Romain Bardet and Thibaut Pinot and had time to raise his arms aloft as he crossed the line.

Cummings said: "The last few years I thought I was capable of doing this, I just needed to find the right team to get an opportunity.

"The team has stayed calm and they kept confidence in me - they knew I could deliver.

"With 3km to go I was riding fresh, but I wasn't thinking of the win, more the effort, and then I thought I had a chance. I threw caution to the wind."

Froome has been expecting attacks on the brutal finish to the 111m stage from Rodez and it came as they hits the slopes.

Defending champ Vincenzo Nibali also tried to join the attack but soon dropped back as Froome refused to panic.

Froome caught Quintana with plenty of time to spare before sprinting home as the South American showed he is probably Froome's only remaining threat.

Froome, though, is still suffering abuse form fans on the road over the continuing doping slurs he is being subjected to in the French media and on Twitter.

The Kenya-born rider's team-mate Richie Porte revealed he was punched on stage 10 while full coke bottles have been thrown at the team's car.

The team have stepped up security around their bus but it is out on the road and the threat from a crazy fan which could cause Froome problems.

Sky's French sporting director Nicolas Portal said: "I hope the public will chill out.

"There is just a barrier and nothing else on the road. Anyone can cross the road and punch someone."

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