Stage 8 | Pau – Bagnères-de-Luchon | Tour de France 2016

Defending champion Chris Froome won the eighth stage of the Tour de France and took over the yellow jersey from Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet, but the Team Sky rider laid down the gauntlet in a way his rivals perhaps had not anticipated.

In this episode of The Telegraph Cycling Podcast, Richard Moore and Lionel Birnie are joined by American journalist Andy Hood of VeloNews to discuss the second stage in the Pyrenees.

Froome caught the rest of the leading riders by surprise, attacking at the top of the Col de Peyresourde and descending impressively to open and hold a gap over his main rivals. He won the stage, took the time bonus and pulled on the yellow jersey. Behind him, Ireland’s Daniel Martin won the sprint for second place and is also second overall.

Others were less happy – Alberto Contador cracked on the Peyresourde and lost time, as did French riders Warren Barguil and Pierre Rolland, the latter also suffered a fall on the descent.

The Tour also lost its first rider as Denmark’s Michael Mørkøv, who has been suffering with injuries sustained in a crash on the opening day, pulled out.

We discuss Froome’s tactics, describe his descending style and ask whether the time gained was worth the effort.

We also hear from New Zealand’s George Bennett of Team LottoNL-Jumbo. Bennett had a very eventful day working for his team leader Wilco Kelderman.

Finally, we speak to Daniel Martin about Froome’s unexpected tactics and what lies in store on Sunday’s stage to Arcalis in Andorra. There’s also the daily Pédaleur de Charme award and the latest Friebos File.

The Telegraph Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Eurosport.