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MONTLUCON, France: Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel finally handed his
Cofidis team a well-deserved leaving gift by winning the 19th stage
of the Tour de France between Roanne and Montlucon here Friday.
Spaniard Carlos Sastre, of CSC, retained the
race lead after the 165.5-km stage ahead of his anticipated yellow
jersey duel with Australia’s Cadel Evans in the penultimate stage
time trial on Saturday.
Chavanel, who has recently signed with the
Belgian team Quick Step, has been one of the most attacking riders
in the peloton over the past three weeks.
After launching another attack far from the
finish line, the 29-year-old found himself with compatriot Jeremy
Roy for company.
The pair collaborated together to increase their
lead, and eventually came into the finale with a 2:30-lead on the
bunch and ready for a duel to the finish.
It was no surprise Chavanel, after years of
trying, came over the finish celebrating his maiden Tour win wildly.
“This just confirms my great start to the
season,” said Chavanel, who showed his prowess in the spring by
winning two well-known Flemish one-day classic races.
Sastre will start the 53-km time trial on
Saturday with a 1:34-lead on Evans, and with the benefit of starting
last in the field.
-- AFP
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