By Chris Forster
New Zealand cyclist George Bennett has endured a roller-coaster ride in the Pyrenees, as he dropped off the pace on the short 13th Stage of the Tour de France.
Officials wiped out the 20 second penalty Bennett copped for taking a water bottle from a spectator late on Friday's (NZT) mountain climb on Stage 12.
But the Team Lotto NL rider lost touch with the leaders, late in the 101-km journey from Saint-Girons to Foix, to finish in 22nd place leaving the Kiwi 11th in the overall standings.
The 27 year old from Nelson was four minutes and eight seconds behind the triumphant Frenchman Warren Barguil, who claimed his victory on Bastille Day.
Barguil held off Spaniard Alberto Contador and Colombian Nairo Quintana.
Bennett was in a bunch of 10 who crossed the line more than two minutes behind a key group of six riders which featured the leading Tour contenders.
Beginning the stage 4min 24sec behind overall leader Fabio Aru of Italy, that margin had blown out to 6min 24sec.
The day began on a bright note for Bennett, when cycling's governing body overturned the decision by race officials to penalise him 20 seconds on stage 12.
Bennett and leading Colombian Rigoberto Uran grabbed drink bottles from supporters, something the tour jury initially deemed against the rules.
Bennett's target of a top-10 finish remains a reality, with 10th-placed Spanish great Alberto Contador only about a minute in front.
Aru remains just six seconds ahead of three-time winner Froome of Great Britain as the tour heads into two hilly stages in southern France.
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