On Friday, Team Saxo Bank's Alberto Contador took home his second victory of the past three days in the 2012 edition of the Tour de San Luis.

Yet, despite his laying claim to the 160.6 kilometer Stage 5 from La Toma to Merlo (Mirador del Sol), his American counterpart, Levi Leipheimer of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, finished well withing shouting distance on the day and maintained his lead in the General Classification, 46" ahead of the Spaniard.

"The guys worked really hard today but they were rewarded by the first place in the GC for Levi," Sports Director Davide Bramati said. "Everybody did their job in the flat part of the race. In the climb Chavanel helped Levi mantain a good rhythm. In the final, Contador attacked, and Levi had a good reaction and he was able to stay on the wheel of Contador. After today's stage Levi has a great chance to win the race. Tomorrow we will have to suffer to defend the jersey but the guys now are really motivated and ready to fight until the end."

"It wasn't an easy stage - the wind was really strong in the first part of the race and the guys did a great job to control the race." Leipheimer says. "The last climb was hard, 7 km of uphill with high percentage. We managed to control the race very well from the beginning. In the last climb Contador attacked at about 3 km to go. At that point I took the lead and I only thought about the GC. I'm really happy about our race today. Now we have to control the race 2 more days. Tomorrow it won't be easy, the stage is long and difficult especially at the beginning but we have to do it. We are really close to the victory. It will be an extra motivation for everybody."

Stage 5 Results
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 4:19:59
2. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:00:02
3. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:00:05

General Classification After Stage 5
1. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 17:27:52
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:46
3. Daniel Diaz (Arg) San Luis Somos Todos - 0:01:31
4. Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Christina Watches-Ofone - 0:01:36
5. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:01:50
6. Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli - 0:02:13
7. Magno Prado Nazaret (Bra) Funvic-Pidamonhangab - 0:02:39
8. Luis Mansilla (Chi) Chile - 0:03:24
9. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep - 0:03:44
10. Cayetano José Sarmiento Tunarrosa (Col) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:04:43

Photos: Roberto Bettini

Today Levi Leipheimer won the individual time trial stage in the Tour de San Luis.

On the hilly, 19.5-km route, the American rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team was faster than Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) who came in 33 seconds behind him, and Stefan Schumacher (Christina Watches), who made it with a difference of 38 seconds. Leipheimer was literally flying on the course laid out on the outskirts of San Luis, working towards his success kilometer after kilometer, managing the race to perfection.

“I really wanted to do well today,” said Leipheimer after the arrival. “After yesterday’s stage and the recon we pulled on the route this morning I knew I could compete. I really wanted to thank the team for the faith they placed in me and the guys who are here for the fantastic job they’re doing day in and day out. I think I did the best I could. We worked well and we’re enjoying the benefits. The time trial was anything but simple. The wind was also an important factor. We had to stay concentrated, especially in the final 4 kilometers, which were absolutely grueling.”

Victory in the time trial also took Leipheimer to first place in the general classification for the time being, where he is 53” in front of Schumacher and 55’’ ahead of Nibali. The former leader, Alberto Contador, came in 1’01” behind the rider from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team, putting him in fourth place in the rankings at 57’’.

“Tomorrow will be a very challenging day but I have no worries" continues Leipheimer. "I feel strong and the team is highly motivated. We’ve won 3 out of 4 stages and we’re first in the classification. Up until now everything’s been going well, our balance sheets are really positive. We’ll face tomorrow’s stage with faith in our means and determination.”

Also worth mentioning is the good performance by Sylvain Chavanel, who is regaining his groove in the time trial. The Frenchman came in 4th, just 39” behind.

On the other hand, Bert Grabsch, the time trial specialist, saw his race compromised by a flat tire at about 2 km from the arrival.

Stage 4 Results
1. Levi Leipheimer 22' 33''
2. Vincenzo Nibali at 33''
3. Stefan Schumacher 38''

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Levi Leipheimer
2. Stefan Schumacher at 53''
3. Vincenzo Nibali 55''
4. Alberto Contador 57''
5. Sylvain Chavanel 1'20''

Photos: © Roberto Bettini

As a confident and subsequently victorious Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad) crossed the line in Grenoble with hand raised, the race for the 98th edition of the Tour de France raged from behind.

Race leader, Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek), in his first full day in the maillot jaune, would have the benefit of seeing the race unfold before him as the last man out of the start gate. But unfortunately for Andy, that is exactly what it did; unfold and unravel.

Starting with a 57 second deficit to the younger Schleck, Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) shot out of the gates and unleashed a performance worthy of the title, Tour de France Champion. Evans easily made up the time gap and built his own lead over the 42.5 kilometer course. He would soar in just 7 seconds behind Martin to capture second and the his first maillot jaune of this year's race.

With one day remaining, Evans is in line to become the first Tour de France winner from the Land Down Under.

Results - Stage 20
1. Tony Martin (Ger) HTC-Highroad
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
3. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard

General Classification After Stage 20
1. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:34
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:02:30
4. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar - 0:03:20
5. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:03:57
6. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:04:55
7. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:06:05
8. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:07:23
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:08:15
10. Jean-Christophe Peraud (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:10:11

Jersey Leaders After Stage 20
maillot jaune - Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
maillot vert - Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
maillot a pois rouges - Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
maillot blanc - Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar

Quick Stepping Through The Tour - De Weert Defends Standing

The 20th stage was an individual time trial over 42,5 kilometers and had to bring the decision in the overall classification. Kevin de Weert had the objective to defend his 13th place in the overall rankings. The Belgian rider clocked a time of 1 hour and 11 seconds, which brought him in a 50th place. Due to this performance, he kept his 13th place in the overall rankings. The stage win went to Tony Martin (HTC Highroad), who beat Cadel Evans (BMC) by 7 seconds. The Australian rider passed the Schleck brothers in the overall ranking and will be crowned overall winner tomorrow. Sylvain Chavanel put down the best time trial of the Quick-Step riders. The Frenchman ended in 28th place, almost 3,5 minutes behind stage winner Martin.

After the stage Kevin de Weert reviewed his Tour. "It was a really tough time trial. I’m really tired, but at the same time I’m satisfied with this Tour. In Vendee at the beginning of the race I said that I was aiming for a spot in the top 15 of the classification. I’m 13th, so the goal has been achieved. If I analyze the race I have to say that the first week was mentally tiring. The wind and rain and the high tension there was during the race had me burning off a lot of nervous energy. For the rest of it I was pretty regular. Perhaps the stage arriving in Pinerolo could have allowed me to move up a few positions in the standings. However it was a positive day because I demonstrated that I can attack if I have to. At Gap on the other hand, I had my hardest day. I just couldn’t pedal, my legs were empty. But in these years I’ve learned to know myself and to not panic in difficult times."

"Overall I think I managed the race well thanks also to a team that stuck by me day in and day out. On the team everyone believes in me and this is fundamental for pedaling with a serene mind set. My thanks goes to everyone, from my team mates to all the staff that supported me in these days. Also, congratulations to the winner of the Tour, Cadel Evans. He turned out to be the most consistent in the 3 weeks and it must be a fantastic feeling for him to be the first Australian to capture the prize. Now my schedule will continue with the Clasica San Sebastian, the London event on the Olympic course on August 14th, where I’ll be wearing the national jersey and then afterwards the Vuelta in which I hope to be useful to the squad, try to win a stage and win a place for the World Championship.”

Next: Stage 21 - Créteil to Paris Champs-Élysées (160km)

Photos: (top: Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)

He was perhaps France's most unlikeliest of heroes, but Pierre Rolland (Team Europcar) proved to be just that as he gave his country not only their first victory of the 98th Tour de France, but also a reason to hope for the future.

Just as Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek) had done the day before on his way to a victory on the Galibier, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) had distanced himself from the pack and looked like the clear victory on the Alpe d'Huez. But a resilient Rolland and a once collegial countryman, Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), who had designs of capturing the maillot a pois rouges, foiled Contador's bid of redemption.

The pair would catch the fading champion in the final kilometers, and from there Rolland would outkick his Spanish rivals to the line. Sanchez would take second and Contador a distant third.

Results - Stage 19
1. Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
3. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard

The tenacious Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) finally buckled under the constant pressure from the pre-race favorites in the mountains. With his strong efforts on yesterday's climbs and on the Alpe d'Huez, Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek) climbed into the catbird seat as the Tour's new leader.

General Classification After Stage 19
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
2. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:00:53
3. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:00:57
4. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar - 0:02:10
5. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:03:31
6. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:03:55
7. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:04:22
8. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:04:40
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:07:11
10. Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar - 0:08:57

Jersey Leaders After Stage 19
maillot jaune - Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
maillot vert - Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
maillot a pois rouges - Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
maillot blanc - Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar

Quick Stepping Through The Tour - De Weert Solid

The final mountain stage covered just 109 kilometers, but was very hard with the Col d`Telegraphe, the Galibier and the final climb to Alpe-d`Huez in it. In the first kilometers the race exploded. Jerome Pineau was involved in an early breakaway. He started the first climb with a 2 minutes advantage on the bunch. Alberto Contador (Saxobank) immediately attacked when the roads went up. The Spaniard was chased by Andy Schleck (Leopard) and not much later they bridged the gap with the group Pineau. In the mean while Kevin de Weert climbed in his own rhythm, only a few minutes behind the lead group. On the Galibier that scenario didn`t change, but in the descent a group with De Weert joined the lead group. The lead group immediately split when they reached the Alpe-d`Huez. De Weert once again looked for his own rhythm and eventually finished in a nice 18th place. In the overall rankings he keeps his 13th place.

"When Contador attacked on the Col Du Telegraph I thought it was going to be a very rough, very long day”, said De Weert laughing. "Luckily, the guys on the team supported me. Sylvain stayed close to me along the climb. His presence calmed me down and gave me morale to continue. I took my time and on the Galibier when I realized I could catch up to Voeckler’s group, I accelerated. In the last meters of the Galibier I busted a killer sprint to get up on the wheels of the yellow jersey group. It was the right choice. I descended with them and recuperated some important energy before hitting Alpe-d'Huez. On the final climb the group blew up right away. I ended up alone and I pulled a right proper time trial climb. The fans along the climb really supported me. Their urging cheers helped me push it to the limit. On the Dutch curve I got chills from the roar of the crowd. This climb is magic and I’m happy I honored it with a good race.”

Tomorrow the individual time trial will bring the decision in the overall classification. “Tomorrow I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to put everything I have left on to the pedals. With today’s good stage I put some distance between myself and the other riders who are behind me. My goal for tomorrow is to hang on to this 13th position. I’d like to finish this Tour with a good time trial race. It would be icing on the cake”, De Weert reflected on tomorrow’s stage.

Next: Stage 20 - Grenoble (ITT) 42.5km

Photos: (top: Sky Sports; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)

There is a big difference between establishing a breakaway and actually being in one; the selection being less about the determination of those trying to get off the front and more about the determinations made by those in the main pack behind.

For the majority of 163 kilometer Stage 16 from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Gap, one unsuccessful group after another attempted to get off the front. Then suddenly, with about 63 kilometers to go, a group of ten riders including Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad), Team Garmin-Cervélo teammates, Thor Hushovd and Ryder Hesjedal, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Sky), Mikhail Ignatiev (Katusha) and Jérémy Roy (FDJ), among other would get a gap.

Through inclement, rainy condition, the group would be whittled down to three, Hushovd, Hesjedal and Boasson Hagen.

Once again, Team Garmin-Cervelo's big Viking, Thor Hushovd, would take a stage marked for the climbers. Set up by his teammate, Hesjedal, in the finale, Hushovd easily took the sprint from countryman Boasson Hagen.

Results - Stage 16
1. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
2. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling
3. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Cervelo

Snap, Crackle, Pop
With only one categorized climb, the Cat 2 Col de Manse, along the day's route, Stage 16 was supposed to be rather innocuous.

It proved to be anything but.

Three time Tour de France champion, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard), who lost valuable time on Stage 1, would test the mettle of the contenders to his throne.

The Spaniard would thrown down attack after attack, until he had broken the spirit and legs of those ahead of him on the General Classification. At the end of the day, he would gain back time on everyone except for Cadel Evans (BMC Racing), who attacked late to finish seconds ahead of Contador, and countryman Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi).

The biggest losers on the day were the Schleck brothers, whose elastic was snapped on the final kilometers on the climb, and were dropped on the descent. Frank Schleck (Leopard Trek) would finish in a group with yellow jersey wearer, Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar), 18 seconds behind Contador, while brother Andy would give back over a minute to the reigning champion.

General Classification After Stage 16
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:01:45
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:49
4. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:03:03
5. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:03:26
6. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:03:42
7. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:03:49
8. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:04:01
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:06:04
10. Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling - 0:07:55

Jersey Leaders After Stage 16
maillot jaune - Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
maillot vert - Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
maillot a pois rouges - Jelle Vanendert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
maillot blanc - Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling

Quick Stepping Through The Tour - Tragedy for Pineau, Devenyns Animates

The day of the 16th stage started with a tragedy for Jerome Pineau and his family. At the finish line in Gap his uncle, a subcontractor working for the French TV, was found dead. A very emotional Pineau and his team mates still started in the stage over 163 kilometres to Gap. The stage after the rest day was in favour of many riders. Almost the complete peloton tried its luck in the first race hours, but the bunch didn`t capitulate and reeled in all attempts. Also attempts of Sylvain Chavanel, Niki Terpstra and Dries Devenyns didn`t succeed. After 100 kilometres a group of 10 riders including Devenyns finally managed to open up a gap. The peloton let them go and within a short time the gap grew to 4 minutes.

On the Col de Mance an attack of Michail Ignatiev (Katusha) split up the breakaway. Devenyns launched a counter attack, but couldn`t close the gap with the Russian escapee and was reeled in by his former companions. "The first two hours of the race were a veritable battle in search of a break. Sylvain and I split our duties in the head of the group. On days like these any break could be the right one and you can’t afford not to be there. However the fight to get into the break cost me a ton of energy. On the climb I paid for my initial efforts. When Ignatiev took off I decided to go long and catch up to him. I was within a few metres of him, but my legs didn’t have the strength to catch him”, explained Devenyns. Just before the summit Ignatiev was caught by Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Cervelo). In the descent the Canadian rider was joined by his team mate Thor Hushovd and his fellow countryman Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team SKY). These 3 riders battled for the stage win. Hushovd turned out to be the strongest of the escapees and took his second stage win in this Tour. Almost 2 minutes behind the world champion Devenyns came in 9th place. “I can’t be disappointed, though, once again today I was in the break with some of the best riders in the world. I had marked this stage as one of those in which I had to be a major player and I managed to be one, in the third week of the race”, said Devenyns.

On the Col de Manse and its descent the major contenders attacked each other. Kevin de Weert lost some time and dropped to a 12th place in the overall rankings. "It’s been a rough day. My legs weren’t super for when Contador made his move, and the following battle certainly didn’t help me. I don’t have the change in rhythm and today with such a tense final I paid a price. However, my Tour isn’t over yet. I’m considering today’s stage as a little mishap and starting tomorrow I plan to turn over a new page immediately”, commented De Weert.

Next: Stage 17 - Gap to Pinerolo (179km)

Photos: (top: AP Photo/Laurent Rebours; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)

With another uphill finish on Stage 4, the hardmen of the Classics were once again expected to take center stage. But at the line, it was a pair of contenders to the overall that ended up fighting tooth and nail to capture the victory.

While no Tour has ever been won in the opening week, it can certainly be lost. Sensing his opportunity to repeat as Tour Champion slipping into a precarious state after the uncontrollable debacle on Stage 1, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) attempted to regain lost time on the difficult uphill finale of the Mûr-de-Bretagne.

Unfortunately for the Spaniard, a host of contenders, including Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and yellow jersey wearer, Thor Hushovd (Team Garmin-Cervelo) were equal to the task.

Evans would hold on to the slimmest of margins at the line to take the win as Contador gave one last ditch effort to steal the stage in the closing meters.

In what may prove to be his last Tour de France, Alexandre Vinokourov (Pro Team Astana) fought valiantly to cross the line in third, while Hushovd finished a few wheels behind the lead pair to retain his race lead.

Results - Stage 4
1. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3. Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Pro Team Astana

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
4. David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Cervelo
5. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Team RadioShack
6. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling
7. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling
8. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling
9. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
10. Jakob Fuglsang (Den) Leopard Trek

Jersey Leaders After Stage 4
maillot jaune - Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
maillot vert - Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Movistar Team
maillot a pois rouges - Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
maillot blanc - Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling

Quick Stepping Through The Tour

After the beautiful weather conditions of the last days the riders were confronted with rainy conditions on their way to the Mûr de Bretagne. Just like in the previous stages there was an early breakaway which animated the stage for a long. After 2 kilometres a group of 5 riders attacked. The peloton tried to reel them in quickly, but when that didn`t work they let the escapees go. Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil-DCM), Gorka Izagirre (Euskaltel), Imanol Erviti (Movistar), Blel Kadri (AG2R) and Jérémy Roy (FdJ) opened a gap of 4 minutes quickly, but then the peloton accelerated again and closed in on the escapees.

Despite the hard chase of the bunch, the early breakaway stayed in the front until the Mûr de Bretagne came in sight. After the escapees were reeled in, Contador launched an attack which was countered by Philippe Gilbert (Omega-Pharma-Lotto) and a strong performing Dries Devenyns. Our Belgian rider put down a strong ride and in the final kilometre he tried to attack. The group with Evans, Contador and Gilbert reacted immediately and reeled Devenyns in. A group of 15 riders battled for the stage win which was taken by Evans who kept Contador just behind him. Devenyns finished in 18th place, only 8 seconds behind the stage winner. "I tried to stay with the leaders up to 300 meters from the arrival. I resisted a couple of important changes in rhythm, but then I really had nothing left to give in the sprint. I'm happy anyway, because it sure wasn't easy to stay with the first group. It was a hard stage, with rain and wind and high speeds in the final. Let's hope tomorrow the weather is better", said Devenyns after the line.

Kevin de Weert did a good job finishing in the group at 8 seconds of Evans. The Belgian rider was satisfied after the stage. "I'm pleased with my race. I gave it my all on an arrival more suited to riders who can vary their rhythm. I closed out in Schleck's group and I lost only a few seconds on the stage winner. The roads were narrow and continually up and down. These are situations where you should never lose your concentration." Jerome Pineau tried his luck early in the stage, but couldn`t make it into the day`s breakaway. "This morning I tried to bust out at least three times, but with no luck. I'll try again in the next days. The stage was super fast in the final. I couldn't have done more than what I did on this type of arrival", said Pineau.

Next: Stage 5 - Carhaix to Cap Fréhel (158km)

Photo: (top: Michael Steele/Getty Images; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)

Overshadowed by a crash, Stage 1 pulls the best out of Belgian Champion Gilbert

While there are many multiple day and multiple stage races on the cycling calendar, there remains only one Tour de France. The most watched and most prestigious of the grand tours, the Tour brings out the best and at times worst of the peloton.

On the 191km Stage 1, which saw the peloton traverse the Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts en route to the Mont des Alouettes Les Herbiers, the man for the Classics, Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) lived up to his reputation and took the uphill finish ahead of Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Thor Hushovd (Team Garmin-Cervelo).

Unfortunately, Gilbert's heroics were somewhat overshadowed by a massive pileup late in the day. The crash would cause a split in the field and dampen defending champion, Alberto Contador's chances of another Tour victory as he lost over a minute to his biggest rivals.

Results - Stage 1
1. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
3. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo

Quick Stepping Through The Tour

The first stage of the 98th Tour de France ended in a real battle field. After the three early escapees were caught, the final kilometers of the stage became very hectic. A massive crash of 8 kilometers from the line caused the bunch split up in several groups. Tom Boonen didn`t crash and was able to stay in the front. With 3 kilometers to go, another crash bothered the first group, again Boonen was able hang on in the front and was well placed for the sprint uphill. Boonen wasn't able to counter a late attack of Fabian Cancellara (Leopard) and Phillipe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto). Gilbert went on solo taking the stage win and the first yellow jersey of this years Tour. Boonen finished in 23rd place, 6 seconds behind Gilbert.

The 98th Tour de France started this afternoon at the well-known Passage du Gois. Right after the start signal, three riders attacked and escaped the peloton. The Dutchman Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM) and the French riders Jeremy Roy (Française des Jeux) and Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) attacked from the bunch and opened up a maximum gap of almost 7 minutes. At the only intermediate sprint their advantage was just 3 minutes, but the peloton didn`t rush to reel the escapees in. After 173 kilometers Westra, Roy and Quemeneur were caught by the bunch, which was preparing for a thrilling final. Niki Terpstra was not in the bunch at that moment as he was troubled by a crash earlier in the stage and almost lost 7 minutes. The crash was minor and didn't result in any injuries. With an uphill finish several riders were aiming for a stage win. Also the first yellow jersey went through the minds of several riders, which caused a hectic final 10 kilometers. Everybody wanted to be in the front at the same time. At 8 kilometers from the line, a rider crashed into a spectator, causing a domino-effect of crashing riders. Tom Boonen, Sylvain Chavanel, Jerome Pineau, Kevin de Weert and Gert Steegmans avoided the crash and stayed in the front. With 3 kilometers to go there was another crash, leaving Boonen in the front as only Quick-Step rider.

A late attack of Cancellara highlighted the final kilometers. Gilbert countered the Swiss champion, while Boonen dropped some places in the group. Gilbert caught Cancellara, took the stage and the first yellow jersey. Boonen finished in 23rd place. "The last kilometers were super fast. There were some incredible accelerations, practically sprints within the sprints. In the last meters I was right on Hushovd's back wheel, in a good position. When Gilbert took off we all tried to sprint but there was nothing to be done. The arrival wasn't exactly suited to my skills but I tried, I did the maximum," Boonen said after the stage.

General Classification After Stage 1
1. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
3. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
4. Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Movistar Team
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
6. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling
7. Andreas Klöden (Ger) Team RadioShack
8. Rein Taaramae (Est) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne
9. Christopher Horner (USA) Team RadioShack
10. Tony Martin (Ger) HTC-Highroad

Jersey Leaders After Stage 1
maillot jaune - Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
maillot vert - Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
maillot a pois rouges - Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
maillot blanc - Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Procycling

Next: Stage 2 - Les Essarts (TTT) 23km

Photo: - Michael Steele/Getty Images

David Millar (Gamin-Cervelo) won the 26 kilometer Stage 21 Individual Time Trial in Milan in a time of 30:13, 7 seconds ahead of second place finisher, Danish rider, Alex Rasmussen (HTC-Highroad).

But Millar's strong finish to the three-week event was markedly overshadowed by the accomplishments of the man who would roll in to to take third on the day, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard).

The now 6-time grand tour winner (Tour de France - 2007, 2009, 2010; Giro d'Italia - 2008, 2011; Vuelta a Espana - 2008) was quite simply the most dominant rider in the field during the 94th Giro d'Italia. In 13 of the 21 stages, including the race's opening day Team Time Trial, Contador would finish in no worse than 9th placed. He went on to make the day's podium in 8 of those 12 stages (2 - first; 4 - second; 2 - third).

While doping speculations still circulate around the 28-year old Spaniard, with the defense of his Tour de France title set to occur in July and with many of the top General Classification riders too tired at season's end to take on the Vuelta a Espana, Contador, if willing and able, has put himself in line to accomplish something that no rider has done in the history of cycling; win all three grand tours in a single season.

Results - Stage 21
1. David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Cervelo
2. Alex Rasmussen (Den) HTC-Highroad
3. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard

General Classification - Final
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
6. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
7. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
10. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad

Other Notables
22. Peter Stetina (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo
89. Thomas Peterson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo
129. Bjorn Selander (USA) Team RadioShack
152. Chad Beyer (USA) BMC Racing Team

Jersey Winners - Final
Maglia Rosa Esta - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank
Maglia Verde Banca Mediolanum - Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
Maglia Bianca Ministero dell'Ambiente - Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
Maglia Rosso Passione Saint Gobain - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
Maglia Tricolore - Liquigas-Cannondale

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

It was not a watch, but the gift Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) gave former Astana teammate, Paolo Tiralongo (Astana), will resonate with the Italian long after his career as a domestique is simply just a cherished memory.

The veteran of 12 cycling seasons, Tiralongo made a late bid for his first career victory on the 209 kilometer Stage 19 from Bergamo to Macugnaga. But with the finishing nearly in his sights, he was caught by his former boss.

The two spoke briefly, and then proceeded to reverse their customary roles as Contador took over the pace making to prevent the strung out pack behind from overtaking them.

Tiralongo would swing out and come around Contador at the line to take the stage, his first ever professional win. A hard charging Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) rounded out the day's podium in third.

Results - Stage 19
1. Paolo Tiralongo (Ita) Pro Team Astana
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale

General Classification After Stage 19
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
6. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
7. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
8. Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
9. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
10. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli

Next: Stage 20 - Verbania to Sestriere (242km)

Photo: AP/Giovanni Auletta

Eros Capecchi (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) outkicked Marco Pinotti (Team HTC-Highroad) and Kevin Seeldraeyers (Quick-Step Cycling Team) to take the 151 kilometer Stage 18 of the 94th Giro d'Italia from Morbegno to San Pellegrino Terme. The stage was marked by a frenetic pace in the first two hours of racing.

“The rhythm in the first hours of the race was incredible,” explained Seeldraeyers. “With about 55 km to go to the arrival the first decisive break-away group took shape with 20 riders, including me and my team mates, Pineau and Cataldo. Along the ascent to Passo del Ganda the lead group was selected and only three of us remained out ahead. Unfortunately the final was not suited to my skills. I tried busting the final sprint but this discipline is definitely not my specialty. Perhaps I could have tried it sooner but honestly, the last part of the route was not in my favor. I’m satisfied anyway, because after a difficult start in the Giro I’ve managed to find my pedaling pace and the motivation to get into the breaks.”

Quick-Step Cycling Team rounded out their good day with a 6th placed finish by Dario Cataldo’s, 2’49’’ behind Capecchi.

“On the climb at Passo del Ganda I couldn’t keep pace with the best, commented Cataldo afterward. "I paid for the change in rhythm and the initial sustained velocity. I chose to take the climb at my own pace without overdoing it. It was a good move to recuperate a few minutes in the classification but there’s also a bit of regret that I couldn’t stay out in front and play for the stage.”

Results - Stage 18
1. Eros Capecchi (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
2. Marco Pinotti (Ita) HTC-Highroad
3. Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) Quickstep Cycling Team

General Classification After Stage 18
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
6. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
7. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
10. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team

Next: Stage 19 - Bergamo to Macugnaga (209km)