CHORGES, FRANCE (AFP) - Britain's Chris Froome of Team Sky tightened his grip on the Tour de France yellow jersey after winning the 17th stage time trial on Wednesday.

Froome, taking his third stage win of the 100th edition, finished the hilly 32km race against the clock in a time of 51min 33sec to beat Spanish rival Alberto Contador by nine seconds.

Saxo team leader Contador moved up to second overall at the expense of Dutchman Bauke Mollema (Belkin) and is now 4:34 behind Froome.