Paris, Jul 16 (IANS): Polish rider Rafal Majka led for nearly 40 km and dominated the final stretch to win the 11th stage, while Christopher Froome is still on top of the overall standings of Tour de France.

On Wednesday, Majka, 25, surged away on the ascent of the Tourmalet, the toughest of six climbs on the 188 km stage from Pau to Cauterets-Vallee de Saint-Savin, reported Xinhua news agency.

He rode alone over the high-mountain pass at an altitude of 2,115 metres and led on to win at Cauterets.

Having won his first two stages of Tour in 2014, Majka was recognized as the best climber after winning the polka dot jersey at his first Tour last year.

Race leader Chris Froome played safe after his stage win on Tuesday that put the leader of the Sky team in firm control of the race, finishing ninth at 5:21, the same time with Majka's teammate of 2007 and 2009 champion Alberto Contador.

The 11th stage was too tough with organisers announcing that just 177 riders finished it and six riders have dropped out.