Tour de France Stage 16: Sagan wins in Bern (+ videos)

Peter Sagan of Tinkoff edged out Katusha’s Alexander Kristoff to win  Stage 16 of the Tour de France as the race crossed the Swiss border and headed to Bern ahead of tomorrow’s rest day.

In a tough finale that included an uphill drag through the cobbled streets, only two dozen riders contested what the sprint for the line, the world champion picking up his third stage win in this year’s race to extend his lead in the points competition as he seeks a fifth consecutive green jersey.

His victory was by the narrowest of margins though, with Kristoff looking poised to take Katusha’s first win in this year’s race until Sagan overhauled him on the line.

"I was not waiting for the results, I thought I was second until they came and told me I had won. It's unbelievable. After so many times finishing 2nd… The wheel turns. I want to thank my team for the work they did all day.

"Then it was a crazy finale, very technical. Everyone wanted to be in my wheel. I think Kristoff made a mistake in the sprint. He jumped very late and that's how I won."

Two Etixx-Quick Step riders, Tony Martin and Julian Alaphilippe, spent most of the 209 kilometre stage from Moirans-en-Montagne out alone in front after attacking early on.

Martin was the second of the pair to be caught with little more than 20 kilometres remaining, the catch prompting a fresh attack from former world champion Rui Costa of Lampre Merida.

Steve Cummings of Dimension Data, who secured its first ever Tour de France stage win 12 months ago today, was at the front of the peloton as the South African team looked to repeat that historic Mandela Day win.

It was not to be, however, and Swiss team IAM Cycling, riding on home soil took up the chase to reel Costa in, and would be rewarded by clinching third place today through Sondre Holst Enger.

Team Sky’s Chris Froome retains the overall lead. He said: "It was a pretty sketchy finale so I was just trying to stay out of trouble. Today was tough, I think everyone will now welcome the rest day. I'm very tired but I'm looking forward to the Alps.

"I'm motivated, the team is doing great… I think we've never been in such a good shape for the third week. We still have nine riders and the morale is great.

"Tomorrow, I'll have a press conference. I'll try to go for ride and chill out a bit."

Here's today's onboard fotage.