Thomas looks to cement Tour lead in final mountain leg

Pau, France • Arnaud Demare was rewarded Thursday for hauling his muscular frame over the Alps and through the Pyrenees.Geraint Thomas, meanwhile, is preparing to cement his hold on the yellow jersey in Friday’s final mountain test of the Tour de France.After many of his competitors were unable to get through the mountains, Demare took advantage by dominating a mass sprint in Stage 18.It marked the first victory by a French team, Groupama-FDJ, in this year’s race.Sprinters Ferna