The general classification battle resumed today following two sprint stages, with the race coming to the boil as the peloton began the final climb of the 131 kilometre stage.

Colombia’s Nairo Quintana appeared to have made a decisive move as broke clear, with his effort aimed at reducing his 2min and 23sec deficit to Dumoulin.

Quintana was quickly joined by Russia’s Ilnur Zakarin, but their gap was slowly reduced by a group containing Britain’s Adam Yates, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali, Spain’s Mikel Landa and crucially Dumoulin.

Dumoulin eventually passed Colombian Quintana, before going on to take the stage win in a time of 3 hours, 2min and 34sec.

He would cross the line 2sec clear of Zakarin, while Landa and Quintana ended nine and 14sec behind the stage winner.

“I knew Quintana would attack and I was dreaming of hitting back but I didn’t think this would happen,” said Dumoulin.

“It was hard when Quintana rode away, I couldn’t follow him so I took my own pace.

“Then I came closer and closer.

“When Zakarin accelerated I only thought of gaining time on Nibali, [Thibaut] Pinot and [Bauke] Mollema.

“I have a big advantage to take into the last week, we’ll see if it’s enough.”

Dumoulin now holds a 2:47 advantage over Quintana after stage 14, but faces a tough final weeks, with a number of challenging climbs likely to suit his rival.

Pinot is currently third with the Frenchman 3:25 down, while defending champion Nibali is 3:40 down.

The Tour of California, another International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race, drew to a conclusion with its seventh stage today.

New Zealand's George Bennett headed into the stage with a 35 second lead over Rafal Majka of Poland.

The pair preserved their positions by finishing safetly in the peloton today, with American Andrew Talansky rounding off the podium.

Evan Huffman claimed his second stage win of the race, edging out Spain's David Lopez and Nicolas Edet of France.