NIMES - Alexander Kristoff gained his second victory of the Tour de France on Sunday as he came home first on the 222km 15th stage from Tallard to Nimes. The Norwegian powered through in a sprint finish to deny New Zealander Jack Bauer, who came within 100 metres of winning after a breakaway of more than 200km. German Heinrich Haussler was second with Peter Sagan of Slovakia third. While Katusha's Kristoff will be celebrating on Sunday night, it was cruel luck for tearful Bauer. Alongside Swiss champion Martin Elmiger, the Kiwi had spent almost the entire race in an escape. However, race leader Vincenzo Nibali had a relatively calm day in the saddle, maintaining his 4:37 lead over Spain's Alejandro Valverde with Romain Bardet still third at 4:50. –AFP