Italian Fabio Aru sat on third after trailing Froome by 14 seconds, and possessed the polkadot king of the mountains jersey.

The best young rider was still Simon Yates, who led by 24 seconds. Team Sky faced little challenge for their top position on overall team standings.

Riders prepared to embreace the challenges from mountain stages in Jura and Alps this weekend. For Froome, the results from this weekend might make a big difference.

"In terms of my rivals, Fabio Aru is threatening," he commented.

Saturday's 187.5-kilometer eighth stage will start from Dole and finish at the Rousses ski station in Jura, and riders have to experience a 11.7km uphill road with an average gradient of 6.4% before the finish.

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