For the most part, the final day of the Tour de France is a rolling celebration for the man and the team holding the maillot jaune at the start of the day. Champagne is poured and drank, photo-ops are prevalent and the pace is equivalent to most touring rides [at least until the peloton reaches the streets of Paris].

While the ceremony and traditions held firm, the day offered up something special to those Down Under and historic to those that follow cycling.

With a near perfectly ridden 20 days in the books, Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) became the first Australian to win the Grand Boucle in its 108 year history. The pre-Tour favorite was surrounded by his team moments after he crossed the finish line on the Champs Elysees.

The Luxembourg bookends of Andy and Frank Schleck (Leopard Trek) would join Evans on the final podium as he was serenaded with the Australian national anthem by countrywoman Tina Arena.

But, the 34-year old Aussie was not the only rider to make history on the streets of Paris. With four wins already in his pocket, Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) earned his fifth in a decidedly easy fashion. The win, his third overall on the fabled cobbles of the Champs Elysees, also made the rider from the Isle of Man the first British maillot vert winner in Tour history.

A hard rushing Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky Procycling) and Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma Lotto) finished in second and third, respectively.

Results - Stage 21
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
2. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling
3. André Greipel (Ger) Omega Pharma-Lotto

General Classification After Stage 21
1. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 86:12:22
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 21
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 - Ciolek Ninth on Champs Elysees

The 21st and last stage of the Tour de France brought the riders from Creteil to the world famous Champs-Elysees in Paris. The first kilometers the riders were chatting and celebrating with each other. It was also a beautiful moment for the photographers to shoot some beautiful pictures. After a slow start with the usual jokes and celebrations the peloton reached the Champs-Elysees with 50 kilometers to go. Immediately a group of 6 riders took off and gained a minute advantage.

In the peloton, the teams of the sprinters worked hard including the riders of our Quick-Step Cycling Team. The boys of Wilfried Peeters chased hard to reel the escapees in and to bring their sprinter Gerald Ciolek to the front. The German sprinter was well placed in the final kilometer, but had no answer to the power of Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) and his lead-out train. Cavendish took his 5th stage win in this Tour, Ciolek finished in 9th place.

After 21 stages Cadel Evans was crowned to overall winner, the first Australian winner in the Tour`s history. On the final podium, Evans was accompanied by the Schleck brothers. Kevin de Weert reached Paris in 13th position, reaching his goal to improve his last year`s 18th position.

Photos: (top: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)

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)

One of the pre-race favorites entering the 98th edition of the Tour de France, Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek) had been widely criticized for not taking the initiative.

That is until now.

On the 200.5 kilometer Stage 18 from Pinerolo to the top of the Galibier Serre-Chevalier, labeled as the Queen Stage of this year's race, the younger Schleck went on the offensive early and often. He would attack unexpectedly out of the lead group to bridge up with the the early break, and unfortunately for his rivals Schleck would never come back.

A few late attacks from the lead group helped to limit Schleck's time gains, but the outcome was a veritable certainty. He would finish atop the Galibier solo, over 2 minutes ahead of the next rider, his older brother Fränk. Australia's Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) rounded out the day's podium in third.

Results - Stage 18
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
2. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
3. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team

As ecstatic as Andy Schleck was to capture the first ever mountain-top finish on the Galibier, Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) was equally as thrilled to hang onto the maillot jaune for one more day. The tenacious one would lose the majority of his lead on the day, but he fought back once again to retain a meager 15 second lead over the younger Schleck.

Surprisingly, the defending champion, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) was not so lucky. The three-time Tour de France champion did something that uncharacteristically rare for a climber of his caliber; he got dropped and his chances for a repeat victory accompanied him.

General Classification After Stage 18
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:00:15
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:08
4. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:01:12
5. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:03:46
6. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
7. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:04:44
8. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:05:20
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:07:08
10. Jean-Christophe Peraud (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:09:27

Jersey Leaders After Stage 18
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 - Rein Taaramae (Est) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne

Quick Stepping Through The Tour - Devenyns Strong on Queen Stage

In the 18th stage there were waiting three hard climbs of hors category for the riders. A group of 16 riders including Dries Devenyns attacked after 55 kilometers and quickly opened up a gap above the 5 minutes. The summit of the first climb of the day, the Col Agnel, was after 107 kilometers. The escapees stayed together on this climb, while Devenyns came on top third. The second climb of the day split up the escape group after an attack of Maxim Iglinsky (Astana). Behind him a group with Devenyns, Nicolas Roche (AG2R), Maxime Monfort (Leopard) and Egor Selin (Katusha) tried to bridge the gap. Shortly behind them was Andy Schleck (Leopard), who attacked from the bunch and went looking for the yellow jersey.

On his way to the Galibier, Iglinsky was caught by the Devenyns group, which was in turn caught by Schleck. On the slopes of the Galibier, Schleck accelerated again. He would win the stage with more than 2 minutes advantage, but just came 15 seconds short of grabbing the yellow jersey. Devenyns lost more than 18 minutes on the hard final climb and finished in 41st. “I’m pleased with my race. At the start I can assure you that I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to take on a stage like this one. Then during the race I tried to break away and I ended up ahead. All I needed was a little thrust. It’s strange how sometimes you have to try a thousand times to get in to a break and other times all you need to do is accelerate. However, in the lead group there wasn’t much collaboration. I tried to do my best and to get as far as possible to help Kevin once his group caught up to me. Unfortunately, Kevin reached me at the very moment when Evans made his move, and the race blew up. Unfortunately, I wasn’t much help. I’m happy anyway, though. This is already the second break in this Tour that I’ve managed to get in to, and they were both in the last week of the race. This is just icing on the cake after the good placements I reaped in the first two weeks of racing”, said Devenyns.

On the Galibier Kevin de Weert tried to defend his 12th position in the overall rankings. The group with major contenders fell apart on the final climb and also De Weert had to let go. He lost some minutes and dropped one place in the overall. Still he was satisfied with his performance. "I think I defended myself rather well today. I recuperated very well from yesterday’s stage and I’m quite pleased about this. On the Izoard when the attack by Schleck went down I had a little crisis moment but I got over it. I stayed out of the wind in the center of the pack in the climb towards Col du Lautaret. When Evans attacked I couldn’t keep up with the best. My legs started feeling heavy and I opted to climb at my own pace. However I kept up a good rhythm and in the end the distance from the first guys wasn’t as bad as I thought. Tomorrow will be another battle, practically a 109- kilometer sprint in the mountains. I’m going to try to be prepared to defend my current position in the standings.”

Next: Stage 19 - Modane to Alpe-d’Huez (109km)

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

After being out-manned and outgunned in the finale of Stage 16, Sky Procycling's Edvald Boasson Hagen made amends on the roads of Stage 17 from Gap to Pinerolo. The 24-year old Norwegian displayed his all-round talents on a stage that featured five categorized climbs, including an ascent of the fabled Sestriere. He would ultimately cross the line solo to take his second victory of the 98th Tour de France, and his third individual grand tour win.

"I wanted to win this stage because I was so close yesterday," a delighted Boasson Hagen told Cyclingnews after the finish. "I'm really happy. Yesterday's stage is almost forgotten now."

Once again involved in the day's winning selection, Boasson Hagen dispensed of his breakaway companions on the day's final climb, the Category 2 Cote de Pramartino, and descended into the town of Pinerolo 40 seconds ahead of Bauke Mollema (Rabobank Cycling Team) and 50 seconds in front of Sandy Casar (FDJ), respectively.

Boasson Hagen's win was the fourth for Norway in this year's Tour de France.

Results - Stage 17
1. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling
2. Bauke Mollema (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
3. Sandy Casar (Fra) FDJ

Buttressed by the outcome of his attacks on Stage 16, defending champion, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) went at his rivals again on Stage 17. Contador and countryman, Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) would get a gap on the final climb, but were unable to finish the job as both were caught by a group of favorites led by Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and the Schleck brothers.

Despite overcooking a corner on one of the day's descents and finishing behind the group of favorites, Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) held on to the maillot jaune for another day.

General Classification After Stage 17
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:01:18
3. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:22
4. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:02:36
5. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:02:59
6. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:03:15
7. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:03:34
8. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:03:49
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:06:04
10. Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling - 0:07:36

Jersey Leaders After Stage 17
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 - Chavanel Shows Again

Photos: (top: AP Photo/Laurent Rebours; 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)

When we last saw Tom Boonen (Quick Step), he was seen climbing into a team car after abandoning the Tour de France on Stage 7.

Fortunately, Tommeke has returned to training consistently after he was forced to withdraw from Tour de France due to a fall during the 5th stage. Boonen received the go ahead from the team’s medical staff after performing a few workouts last weekend.

“I’m happy I can get back to training and I’m relieved that the fall didn’t have any major repercussions,” said Boonen. “The withdrawal from the Tour forced us to re-examine our schedule for the rest of the season. The team and I we’ve decided I will make my comeback in the Tour de Pologne on Sunday, July 31st. This race was my first race as stagiaire in a professional team in 2000. I have a lot of good memories about that race. It was the first time ever I rode more than 200 kilometres. I didn’t ride the last 2 stages because I was tired as never in my life. I was only 19 years old. It will be nice to come back there.”

After the Tour de Pologne, on August 14th Boonen will participate in a race in London on the same circuit that will host the Olympic races next year.

“I’ll be wearing the National jersey when I ride the race,” continues Boonen. “The Federation is granting me a great opportunity to race on an Olympic circuit. I’m very pleased, I’m sure it will be an important test event.”

After the Test Event in London, Boonen will fly to Spain to participate in the Vuelta España.

Photo: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com

Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.

By all accounts, Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) struggled mightily on Stage 14. With five categorized climbs on yesterday’s docket, several teammates were needed to pace Cavendish to the finish line before the time cut.

Yet through all the adversity in the Pyrenees, the character and characters of Cavendish and his charges were revealed on the 187 kilometer Stage 15 from Limoux to Montpellier.

Another classic sprinter’s stage, and the final one before the fabled sprint on the Champs Ellysees, HTC-Highroad took up the majority of the pace-making to bring back the early break. Once the catch was made, the team worked in perfect unison to deliver Cavendish to the line.

Despite numerous late attacks and attempts by other teams to take control at the front, the boys based out of San Luis Obispo never faltered. Business-like, Mark Renshaw squirted through a sea of chaos and provided the launching pad for the Missile from Man.

Cavendish would take his fourth win of the 98th Tour de France, ahead of late bid by Tyler Farrar (Team Garmin-Cervelo) and Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-ISD). Italy's Daniel Oss (Liquigas-Cannodale) would finish a close fourth.

Results - Stage 15
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
2. Tyler Farrar (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo
3. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre - ISD

There was no change in the General Classification. With two relatively innocuous mountain stages following the race's second rest day, the race for the maillot jaune is sure to come down to Stage 18, 19, and 20.

Can Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) limit his losses enough not be overtaken in the Stage 20 Individual Time Trial? With two cards to play, is this Tour the Schleck brothers to lose? Can reigning champion, Alberto Contador, get free of his rivals and mount a serious comeback...does he have the legs after winning the Giro d'Italia? If this race comes down to the ITT, is it Cadel Evans' to lose?

Stayed tuned as all will be revealed at week's end.

General Classification After Stage 15
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:49
3. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:02:06
4. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:02:15
5. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:03:16
6. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:03:44
7. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:04:00
8. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:04:01
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:05:46
10. Kevin De Weert (Bel) Quickstep Cycling Team

Jersey Leaders After Stage 15
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 - Terpstra Most Combative

After all the climbing in the Pyrenees the riders covered a flat stage over almost 200 kilometers today. The 15th stage was just started when a group of five riders attacked. Niki Terpstra tried his luck together with Michail Ignatiev, Samuel Dumoulin, Mickael Delage and Anthony Delaplace. The five escapees didn`t open up a big gap as the peloton kept the pace high. The maximum advantage of Terpstra and his companions was only 4 minutes. “In the break we collaborated very well. The wind in the first part of the race was at our backs and so it made things a bit easier. When Ignatiev took off I saw that no one was reacting. So I attacked and I followed him”, said Terpstra. The two escapees were chased by the peloton, which was only a minute behind them.

With 6 kilometers to go Terpstra attacked again. “Then I found the strength to bust forward alone, but the altimetry in the last kilometers definitely didn’t help me. I’m satisfied anyway that I got the prize for combativeness. It’s a good result, that’s a major payoff for me and the team, for all the hard work we’ve been doing these days. We’re always very active and this is a prize for our guts and drive after the first week, which was marked by several falls", Terpstra commented after the stage.

After Terpstra was caught the bunch sprint in the streets of Montpellier were inevitable. Mark Cavendish won his fourth stage outsprinting Tyler Farrar and Alessandro Petacchi. Gerald Ciolek finished in the top-10 again, our German sprinter ended in 7th place."In the sprint there were some contacts that cost me a few positions. But I did my best. Maybe I could have made it into the first 5, but after the problems I had these last few days I’m happy with this. For us sprinters there won’t be other chances, if not in Paris. I’ll do my best to be there next Sunday and give a good final sprint.”

Next: Rest Day 2; Stage 16 - Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Gap (163km)

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

After a difficult and potentially dispiriting Stage 9, which saw the abandonment of Omega Pharma-Lotto team leader and Tour contender, Jurgen Van den Broeck, along with one of their vital cogs in Fredrik Willems, the Belgian squad could have easy packed it in.

But using the indomitable and fighting spirit of Philippe Gilbert as its guide, Omega Pharma-Lotto has not just recovered they have flourished.

Pressure, as its been said, makes us.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for the team, and the Tour, has been little known climber, Jelle Vanendert.

The runner-up to Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) atop Luz-Ardiden on Stage 12, Vanendert took it upon himself and left no doubt who would win Stage 14 on Plateau de Beille.

The 26-year old attacked the main group in the closing kilometers and would solo to his first career Tour de France victory. For his efforts, Vanendert would also climb into the maillot a pois rouges as the leader in the King of the Mountains competition.

Samuel Sanchez would take second and a late attack would see Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek) claim third.

Results - Stage 14
1. Jelle Vanendert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
2. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
3. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek

From Hinault to Voeckler?

Another cat and mouse day among the Tour contenders would once again go to the mouse.

Attacks came on the Plateau de Beille, but each was done in a probing vain rather than in an all-out, sustained effort; jabs instead of power punches. Andy Schleck went late to take a few seconds from each of his rivals, but none looked in serious difficulty or was shaken of any confidence.

And for another day, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) rode for his life and responded to each and every challenge to retain the maillot jaune.

Many pundits still believe the less talented Voeckler and Team Europcar will eventually go by the wayside in the third week, but if history is any guide then Voeckler has as good a chance as any.

In 2004, it took a Herculean effort by Lance Armstrong and US Postal to vanquish the Frenchman, who wore the leader's jersey for over a week. His old school toughness and fighting spirit, reminiscent of France's last Tour champion, Bernard Hinault, is something that few riders in this race can match.

Given that talent alone is not enough, Voeckler's heart and guile may just take him all the way to the top of the podium in Paris.

General Classification After Stage 14
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:01:49
3. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team - 0:02:06
4. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek - 0:02:15
5. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale - 0:03:16
6. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi - 0:03:44
7. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard - 0:04:00
8. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD - 0:04:01
9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo - 0:05:46
10. Kevin De Weert (Bel) Quickstep Cycling Team

Jersey Leaders After Stage 14
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 - Chavanel Attacks; De Weert In Top 10

With five categorized climbs on the menu before the ascent to Plateau de Beille, it was always going to be a tough day in the saddle. French champion Sylvain Chavanel attacked after only 1,5 kilometers. After a short solo he was accompanied by 19 other riders. After the intermediate sprint another 4 riders including Jerome Pineau bridged up with the lead group. The group of 24 riders headed into the mountains with an advantage of more than 6 minutes.

The breakaway of 24 riders split up at the second climb of the day. Three riders attacked and opened up a gap of one minute. On the way to the third climb of the day Pineau lost contact with the lead group. On the Col d`Agnes the rest of the breakaway split up. Chavanel made a good impression and hooked up at the first group. Several riders attacked from that group and with 25 kilometers to go Chavanel tried his own luck. He was caught by two chasers and then shortly behind them there was another group of his former companions which caught him. On the final climb the group with major contenders closed the gap with the escapees quickly, reeling them in one by one. "Today I'm happy. I'm improving day by day and today it was nice to stay ahead in one of the hardest stages in this Tour. However, on the climbs I still don't have the spark I need. I'm confident it will come to me these next days. Congratulations to Voeckler who kept the jersey. May he get as far as possible with the yellow jersey on his back”, told the French champion after the line.

Kevin de Weert put down a strong stage hanging on in the front group. On the final climb to Plateau de Beille he got a little support from Chavanel and then went on at his own tempo to a 14th place. Due to this strong effort he moved up to a 10th place in the overall rankings. "I gave it all today too. I think I defended myself very well, I'm not far from the leaders and I'm progressing. I have to thank the team today also, everyone did their best for me, and Chavanel also helped me on the climb to Plateau de Beille, giving me a good rhythm. The three Pyrenees stages are closing out positively for me. Now we're waiting for the Alps”, said De Weert.

Next: Stage 15 - Limoux to Montpellier (187km)

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

If you listened closely enough, the faint sound of Viking horns to announce the entrance of the God of Thunder, Thor Hushovd (Team Garmin-Cervelo), in Lourdes could be heard in the distance.

The current World Champion threw caution to the wind today on the 152 kilometer Stage 13, which featured an ascent/descent of the Col d’Aubisque, by first getting involved in the winning break and then attacking his front running compatriots on the day’s most difficult slopes.

Jérémy Roy (FDJ) and eventually David Moncoutie (Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne) were able to stay in contact with Hushovd on the ascent of the Aubisque, even surpassing the former maillot jaune wearer. But too much time and distance, not to mention one big Norwegian, would be Roy’s and Moncoutie’s undoing.

With 3 kilometers to go, with Roy seemingly in clear and the pair of Moncoutie and Hushovd giving chase, the God of Thunder wielded his hammer-like legs and pounded both Moncoutie and then Roy in to utter submission.

A solo and celebratory Hushovd would cross the line 10 seconds ahead of Moncoutie and 26 seconds in front of a fading Roy.

Results - Stage 13
1. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
2. David Moncoutie (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne
3. Jérémy Roy (Fra) FDJ

An always game Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) safely finished with the lead group to retain the lead in the yellow jersey competition.

General Classification After Stage 13
1. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
2. Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
3. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
4. Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
5. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
6. Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD
7. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
8. Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
9. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
10. Thomas Danielson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 13
maillot jaune - Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar
maillot vert - Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
maillot a pois rouges - Jérémy Roy (Fra) FDJ
maillot blanc - Arnold Jeannesson (Fra) FDJ

Quick Stepping Through The Tour - Pineau Fifth

The Quick-Step Cycling Team put down a great ride during the 13th stage of the Tour de France. Though the day started with bad news as Gert Steegmans was forced to leave the Tour with a fracture to the scaphoid in his left hand, a consequence of a fall that happened during the 5th stage. With a relative flat parcours to the foot of the only climb of the day a lot of riders tried their luck in the start of the race. French champion Sylvain Chavanel tried several times, just as Dries Devenyns and Niki Terpstra. The peloton didn`t let the escapees go and with an average of almost 50 km/h, the riders went through the first hour. Eventually a group of 10 riders including Jerome Pineau managed to get away. In the peloton the tempo dropped and the escapees opened a gap of 4 minutes quickly. “The first hour of the race flew by at an average of almost 50 km/h. We Quick-Step guys were present in all the breaks. Chavanel tried a thousand times, like the rest of the guys on the team. It would have been a shame if none of us were there in the most important break”, said Pineau.

With an advantage of 9 minutes the escapees went to the Col d`Aubisque. The breakaway split up after an attack of world champion Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo). He had Jeremy Roy (Française des Jeux) and Moncoutie (Cofidis) with him, while Pineau was just behind them in a chase group. Some time later Roy went on solo on the slopes of the Aubisque, with Hushovd and Moncoutie more than a minute behind him. Pineau was some further back at moment. “It was impossible for me to react. If I had, I surely would have paid for it in the long run. I recuperated and then I hit my own rhythm. I climbed at a good pace. On the downhill I collaborated well with Boasson Hagen and Bak. We couldn't have done more than what we did, even because there was a headwind towards the arrival”, continued Pineau over the stage.

The stage win went to world champion Hushovd, who bridged the gap with Roy in the final kilometres and then went on alone. Five minutes after the Norwegian rider Pineau battled for the fourth place. He was well placed in the wheel of Boasson Hagen, sprinted past the Sky-rider but was beaten at the line by Bak. “It's not a bad fifth place and I hope it serves as a starting point to attempt something good these next few days." The rest of the guys on the Quick-Step Cycling Team also had a good day. Chavanel was present in almost all the breaks in the beginning of the race, but with no luck. It was a good day for Kevin de Weert as he anticipates tomorrow's stage in the Pyrenees, which promises to be spectacular.

Next: Stage 14 - Saint-Gaudens to Plateau de Beille (168km)

Photos: (top: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos; bottom: © Tim de Waele - TDWSport.com)