Laurent Fignon, who earned the nickname The Professor due to his trademark look, round glasses and ponytail, and because of the fact that he was one of the few riders at the time to successfully complete his baccalaureate examinations, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 after a short battle with lung and intestinal cancer. He was 50.

“No matter how strong my willpower, if we don’t find a good treatment, the cancer will overwhelm me and I will die," he told Paris Match last year. "I don’t want to die at 50, but if it’s not curable, what can I do?"

A two-time Tour de France champion and winner of multiple Classics, Fignon will unfortunately and unjustly best be remembered for the one he lost rather than for any of his great achievements during a career that spanned over a decade. In a realm where few, if any, ever remember who finished second, the Frenchman was the agony to Greg Lemond's ecstasy in 1989; losing the three-week long Tour de France by a mere 8 seconds.

For many, losing in such a fashion would have been completely debilitating. Yet, on that final "race of truth" through Paris, as in his final days of life, The Professor taught us perhaps one of life's greatest lessons in that the measure of any of us is found not so much in our triumphs but rather in how we live with defeat."

In that regard, Fignon was a true champion who fought valiantly and lived gracefully despite the day's final outcome.

"I love life. I love to laugh, travel, to read, eat well, just like a good Frenchman. I am not afraid of dying, it’s just I am not ready to die."

Photo: Lionel Cironneau - AP

Roger Hammond (UK), Heinrich Haussler (AUS; above), Andreas Klier (GER), Brett Lancaster (AUS), Daniel Lloyd (UK) and Gabriel Rasch (NOR) will join teammate Thor Hushovd (NOR) in 2011. These seven will be joining Garmin riders including Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, Christian Vande Velde, David Zabriskie and Dan Martin.

“Team Garmin-Cervélo’s roster will be strong and versatile,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports. “All of these riders bring a lot of experience to what’s already a great team. I’m proud of what we’ve done since 2008, and I’m excited for what we’ll do in 2011.”

The creation of Team Garmin-Cervélo is still under development. More information, including an official team roster, will be released as it becomes available.

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos

Binghamton, NY - After a year of racing, Erica Allar held off Tiffany Pezzulo and Kacey Manderfield to win the USA CRITS Series at the women's final event, the 27th Annual Chris Thater Memorial in Binghamton, NY last weekend.

It was an animated women's race from the word go, with attacks and small breaks attempting to stay away but to no avail. Cath Cheatley and Colavita-Baci took responsibility at the front to protect their lead in the NRC, while Team TIBCO wanted a strong showing as this would be Brooke Miller's swan song.

With seven laps to go, Cheatley and Sam Schneider (TIBCO) were able to open a gap and were never seen again. It was a two up sprint to the finish, with Sam Schneider winning her first race on the USA CRITS Series and securing a second place finish in the Maxxis Best Young Rider competition.

In the field sprint, Pezzulo was going to have to finish about 25 places in front of Allar in order to take over the lead, which would prove difficult as Allar has placed in the top 10 at every Series' race. Allar and Pezzulo marked each other, finishing 9th and 13th, respectively, giving Allar more than enough points to becoming this year's USA CRITS Champion.

Lauren Ellis of BikeNZ was able to increase her lead and hold on to the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader Jersey, while Kacey Manderfield finished top 10 in the race to secure third in the overall taking home the Maxxis Best Young Rider jersey.

The men's race was the following day on a longer course than what the women raced. The 1.2 mile course with a nice hill after turn 1 kept the group together for most of the day. Andy Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) was able to take a solo flyer for 10 laps before being reeled back in by the peloton. A few other small groups also tried to get away, with a group of three being caught at the start/finish line with one lap to go.

A scary moment in the race came at 7 laps to go for the Series leader Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable). Barrows went down in a crash, came into the pit for his free lap, but had to enter the pit again for a mechanical the very next lap.

In the end Jonathan Cantwell (Fly V Australia) continued his winning ways, taking his second USA CRITS race victory (Cantwell also won the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational). Teammate Bernie Sulzberger placed 2nd with UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis' Hilton Clark rounded out the top three.

Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis) finished 8th while Clayton Barrows finished 12th place, giving Howe enough points to take over the Series lead. Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) still holds the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader jersey, while Howe also leads the Maxxis Best Young Rider competition.

The men's USA CRITS Finals will be held in Dallas, TX this year at the TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III on September 16.

Women's Results - Chris Thater Memorial
1. Sam Schneider (TIBCO)
2. Cath Cheatley (Colavita-Baci)
3. Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO)

USA CRITS Overall presented by Champion System
1. Erica Allar (unattached), 1106 points
2. Tiffany Pezzulo (Treads.com/DFT), 979 points
3. Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft), 920 points

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Lauren Ellis (BikeNZ), 18 laps

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by cyclingnews.com
Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft)

Men's Results - Chris Thater Memorial
1. Jonathan Cantwell (Fly V Australia)
2. Bernie Sulzberger (Fly V Australia)
3. Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)

USA CRITS Overall presented by Champion System
1. Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's), 1489 points
2. Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable), 1476 points
3. David Guttenplan (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's), 980 points

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by cyclingnews.com
Isaac Howe (Fly V Australia)

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos

Linden, NJ - With the 2010 National Racing Calendar (NRC) concluding with the 27th Annual Chris Thater Memorial, Cath Cheatley of the Colavita/Baci Women’s’ Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light is poised to win the championship title in the women’s individual rider competition.

“Cath is racing in absolutely top form,” said Colavita/Baci Co-Directeur Sportif Rachel Heal. “With her overall win at the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic and podium finishes at road races and criteriums throughout the season, Cath has established herself as one of the most versatile riders in the North American peloton.” Cheatley, who has maintained the #1 ranking since early July, holds a comfortable margin thanks to her top five finish at the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium in Charlotte, NC.

“It’s been an awesome year of racing,” said Cheatley. “I think our teamwork and passion to race for victory will help us finish #1. And I’m proud to win the NRC championship in Colavita/Baci colors.”

Cheatley and teammates Rushlee Buchanan, Modesta Vzesniauskaite, Andrea Dvorak and Carmen Small will race to defend Colavita/Baci’s lead in the NRC team standings at the Chris Thater Memorial in Binghamton, NY on August 28. “We are thrilled with the cohesion and professionalism of the entire Colavita/Baci squad,” said Co-Directeur Sportif Tina Pic. “From the beginning, we hoped to build a team that would gel both on the road and off. Everyone has really worked together, first for race wins and eventually to help Cath clinch the NRC championship.”

After the conclusion of the North American road racing season, Cheatley and teammate Rushlee Buchanan will represent their native New Zealand at the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Cheatley and Buchanan join an elite squad, hand-picked by the New Zealand Olympic Committee. Buchanan, who currently holds New Zealand’s National Championship titles in the road race and criterium, will make her debut at the Commonwealth Games as one of seven riders to compete in the track events. Cheatley, who previously competed on the track at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, will join two other riders in a quest to capture New Zealand’s first medal in the road race since 1998. The Commonwealth Games open on October 3rd and conclude on October 14th. For more information, visit the Games' official website.

Prior to the Chris Thater Memorial, the Colavita/Baci Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light will contest the Glencoe Grand Prix in Glencoe, IL on August 14th. Held in conjunction with the men’s National Criterium Championships, the women’s race is a 60-minute criterium. Theresa Cliff-Ryan, Shontell Gauthier, and Modesta Vzesniauskaite will represent the Colavita/Baci squad.

Photo: Jonathan Devich

Minneapolis – Coming into the last event for the 2010 Women’s Prestige Cycling Series, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 held all of the jerseys and the team classification. However, they let the sprinter’s jersey slip from their grasp, just missing the clean sweep.

U.S. national road champion Mara Abbott won both the individual title and the best young rider category. Abbott pulled away from individual runner-up Alison Powers (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) by winning the final event of the four-race series. In the Best Young Rider (under 26) standings, Abbott easily out-distanced Amanda Miller (TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team). Abbott will turn 27 next year, making 2010 her last year of Best Young Rider eligibility.

In the team standings, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 took the lead after the first Women’s Prestige Cycling Series race and never relinquished it. Colavita/Baci presented by Cooking Light finished second.

Women's Prestige Cycling Series co-founder David LaPorte, who also directs the Nature Valley Grand Prix, said Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 showed an incredible depth of talent.

“They have so many strong riders that you never know who to watch,” LaPorte said. “It’s fascinating for the fans, but must be very frustrating for the other teams. They can’t mark all of the potential threats.”

In the sprint classification, Carla Swart (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) vaulted from fifth to first to keep Shelley Evans and Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 from earning a clean sweep of the Series. Swart is a multi-time collegiate national champion from South Africa who is a 2008 alumna of the Nature Valley Grand Prix’s Collegiate All Stars team.

Swart’s team director, Lisa Hunt, said she was thrilled that her rider was able to show off her sprinting ability.

“When she won the sprint jersey after the criterium at Cascade, the team’s goal was to keep her in the jersey and win the overall,” Hunt said. “It demonstrates her strong sense of commitment, coupled with the fantastic support of her teammates.”

The Women’s Prestige Cycling Series is the only national bicycle racing series solely showcasing the country’s top female cycling talent. Its four events in 2010 were the Redlands Bicycle Classic in California, the SRAM Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, the Nature Valley Grand Prix in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin and the Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic.

For more information about the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series, visit the official website, or send an e-mail to: wpcs2010@womencyclists.com.

Individual Classification
1. Mara Abbott, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 – 580.
2. Alison Powers, Team Vera Bradley Foundation – 440.
3. Catherine Cheatley, Colavita/Baci presented by Cooking Light – 396.
4. Erinne Willock, Webcor Builders – 378.
5. Meredith Miller, TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team – 300.

Best Young Rider (Under 26) Classification
1. Mara Abbott, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 – 825.
2. Amanda Miller, TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team – 451.
3. Carla Swart, Team Vera Bradley Foundation – 385.
4. Joelle Numainville, Webcor Builders – 363.
5. Rebecca Much, TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team – 356.

Sprint Classification
1. Carla Swart, Team Vera Bradley Foundation – 418.
2. Shelley Evans, Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 – 385.
3. Carmen Small, Colavita/Baci p/b Cooking Light – 289.
4. Brooke Miller, TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team – 286.
5. Joelle Numainville, Webcor Builders – 275.

Team Classification
1. Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 – 1,687.
2. Colavita/Baci presented by Cooking Light – 1,106.
3. Team Vera Bradley Foundation – 1,022.
4. TIBCO/To the Top Pro Cycling Team – 815.
5. Webcor Builders – 778.

Photo: Jonathan Devich

Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia), the young German who sat in the hot seat for hours before Cancellara bested his time in the Prologue, had the benefit of the later start time on the 52km Stage 19 Individual Time Trial. Martin would set the fastest time at the first intermediate checkpoint, but he was unable to match the World Champion for the remainder of the race. But, he was not alone.

Fabian Cancellara (Team Saxo Bank) sat comfortably on the leader's perch all day after seeing Martin's finish as no one would even pose a serious threat to his time of 1:00:56. Ultimately, Martin would finish in second, while teammate Bert Grabsch, another early starter, finished in third.

Stage 19 Results
1. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank
2. Tony Martin (Ger) Team HTC - Columbia
3. Bert Grabsch (Ger) Team HTC - Columbia

The battle for podium places went relatively as expected. Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) fought valiantly, but was unable to make up the 8 second gap to Alberto Contador (Team Astana) to reclaim the maillot jaune. The Luxembourger would lose thirty-one seconds to Contador, which coincidentally was the gap between the two when a mechanical felled Schleck in the mountains.

Denis Menchov (Rabobank) proved to be the better time trialist between he and Samuel Sanchez (Euskatel-Euskadi). The quiet Russian easily made up the 21 second gap to Sanchez, who had an off-day, to take the final podium spot in Paris.

General Classification After Stage 19
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:39
3. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:02:01
4. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:03:40
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:06:54
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:09:31
7. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions - 0:10:15
8. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:11:37
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo - 0:11:54
10. Christopher Horner (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:12:02

Jersey Leaders After Stage 19
maillot jaune - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
maillot vert - Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
maillot à pois rouges - Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

Next: Stage 20 -Longjumeau to Paris (102.5km)
The final stage and promenade in Paris...

Photo: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Despite a break of four — Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank), Jerome Pineau (Quick Step), Benoit Vaugrenard (FDJ) and Daniel Oss (Liquigas) — getting off the front early on the stage and Oss' unwillingness to relent in the closing kilometers, the 198km Stage 18 from Salies-de-Bearn to Bordeaux ended in a bunch sprint, or at least it started out that way.

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) was simply untouchable in the run-up into the line. The Isle of Man rider would have the opportunity to look back three times in the closing meters to assess his would be competition before celebrating his fourth victory in this year's Tour and 14th overall in his young career.

Julian Dean (Garmin - Transitions) and Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini) finished in second and third, respectively. By virtue of his third place finish, Petacchi reclaimed ownership of the maillot vert from Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team).

Stage 18 Results
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC - Columbia
2. Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin - Transitions
3. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini

General Classification After Stage 18
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:08
3. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:03:32
4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:03:53
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:05:27
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:06:41
7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:07:03
8. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions - 0:09:18
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo - 0:10:12
10. Christopher Horner (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:10:37

Jersey Leaders After Stage 18
maillot jaune - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
maillot vert - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
maillot à pois rouges - Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

Next: Stage 19 -Bordeaux to Pauillac (52km)

Photo: Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images

With the steep inclines and foggy weather serving as the background, this year's top two riders, Alberto Contador (Astana) and Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) stood toe-to-toe on the fabled mountain pass as thousands of crazed cycling fans and even a herd of sheep tuned in in hopes of a memorable spectacle.

What ensued was a battle reminiscent of Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault in 1986 as maillot jaune wearer, Contador, metered every twitch and refused to cede a single second to Schleck. Though Schleck could never be confused with the Badger, or Contador for Lemond for that matter, Schleck worked relentlessly to shake the Spaniard from his wheel. The Luxembourger never laid down a massive attack, such as the one that saw him drop his chain on Stage 15, which might have disappointed some fans, but he would nonetheless garner his second stage win in this year's Tour.

Joaquin Rodriguez (Team Katusha) rounded out the day's podium in third.

Stage 17 Results
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha

Tooting His Own Horn

Those who envisioned Chris Horner in the top ten of the General Classification as well as being the highest placed Team RadioShack rider by Tour's end certainly have cause to celebrate.

The 38-year old, who was left off of last year's Tour de France squad, solidified his place on the GC by finishing 1:45 in arrears to Schleck and Contador.

General Classification After Stage 17
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:08
3. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:03:32
4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:03:53
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:05:27
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:06:41
7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:07:03
8. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions - 0:09:18
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo - 0:10:12
10. Christopher Horner (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:10:37

Jersey Leaders After Stage 17
maillot jaune - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
maillot vert - Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
maillot à pois rouges - Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

Next: Stage 18 -Salies-de-Béarn to Bordeaux (198km)The sprinters will finally be able to stretch their legs after biding their time in the comfort of the autobus.

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Frenchman Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) proved to be the fastest at day's end, but sentiments were certainly with the former 7-time Tour champion, Lance Armstrong (Team RadioShack), who looked to push the sun back up into the sky just one more time in his illustrious cycling career.

The winning selection, which included Sandy Casar (Française des Jeux), Ruben Plaza Molina and Christophe Moreau (Caisse d'Epargne), Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Farnese Vini), Christopher Horner and Armstrong (Team Radioshack), Quick Step teammates, Carlos Barredo Llamazales and Jurgen Van De Walle, and Fedrigo formed shortly before the ascent of the Tourmalet, although Armstrong, Horner and Barredo were among the the day's initial escapees at the 5km mark.

After the group cleared the final climb of the day, the Col d'Aubisque, Barredo attempted to go solo. Ultimately 44km proved too great a distance as the Quick Step rider was caught within the final 5km and did not contest the sprint finish. The move; however, forced Team RadioShack and Caisse d'Epargne to expend more energy than they had hoped for in the chase.

Inside the flamme rouge, Armstrong was one of the first to take out the sprint. But after seeing Fedrigo fly by and finding his own tank empty, a disappointed Armstrong sat up to take in the finale of what would most likely be his final attempt at Tour glory.

Fedrigo would pip countryman Casar and Spaniard Molina at the line to win the epic and claim his third Tour de France victory of his career.

Stage 16 Results
1. Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
2. Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux
3. Ruben Plaza Molina (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne

General Classification After Stage 16
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:08
3. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:02:00
4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:02:13
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:03:39
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:05:01
7. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:05:25
8. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:05:45
9. Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana - 0:07:12
10. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions - 0:07:51

Jersey Leaders After Stage 16
maillot jaune - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
maillot vert - Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
maillot à pois rouges - Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

Next: Rest Day #2; Thrusday - Stage 17 -Pau to Col du Tourmalet (174km)

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia), Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Transitions), Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini), Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) and Robbie McEwen (Omega-Pharma Lotto), among others are first to come to mind when searching for that type of swashbuckling mentality in the professional peloton.

But there are also those sprinters like Mark Renshaw (HTC-Columbia) and Julian Dean (Garmin-Transitions) who carry as much bravado, but are rarely seen because of their roles as lead-out men.

Though Cavendish would garner all the well deserved accolades after taking the eleventh stage in the 97th edition of the Tour de France, his third win of this year's race and 13th overall in his career, the more significant story of the day lay in how he got to the podium.

In the chaotic build-up to the sprint finish, Renshaw broke out the kitchen sink to ensure his sprint leader's safe passage to the line. The relatively unseen and quiet Renshaw would throw a haymaker of a headbutt in the direction of Dean to prevent the Garmin-Transitions' rider from impeding his path. The scuffle ultimately opened up the hole to which Cavendish slid through, but it also left HTC-Columbia without a valuable piece in the lead-outs and in the hills as Renshaw was thrown out of the race for his actions.

Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini) would take second and Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions) third.

Stage 11 Results
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC - Columbia
2. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
3. Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Transitions

Bing Me

Follow the Tour de France with one the more interesting mashables of social networking tools, Twitter and Bing.

General Classification After Stage 11
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 0:00:41
3. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:02:45
4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:02:58
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:03:31
6. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:03:59
7. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:04:22
8. Luis León Sánchez Gil (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne - 0:04:41
9. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:05:08
10. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo - 0:05:09

Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Farnese Vini) climbs back into the lead of the maillot vert , while Jérôme Pineau (Quick Step) reclaimed the maillot pois-a-rouges.

Jersey Leaders After Stage 11
maillot jaune - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
maillot vert - Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
maillot à pois rouges - Jérôme Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

Next: Stage 12 -Bourge-de-Péage to Mende (210.5km)
Another hilly day. Follow our LIVE Tour de France coverage on LIVESTRONG.com

This post sponsored by Bing

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images