Alexander Kristoff wins stage 12 of Tour de France

Norway's Alexander Kristoff has won his first stage of the Tour de France for Katusha, while Vincenzo Nibali has retained the yellow jersey.

The 27-year-old won the 12th stage from Bourg-en-Bresse to Saint Etienne in a sprint finish after putting himself in contention with less than seven kilometres to go.

Kristoff won the 115.5-mile ride, but Nibali stays at the top of the standings with a lead of two minutes and 23 seconds, with Australia's Richie Porte second and Alejandro Valverde first.

Two-time champion Alberto Contador was forced to withdraw from the elite race on Monday after crashing on stage 10.