Wiggins fends off attacks to retain Tour lead PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 11 July 2012 21:05
(REUTERS) - Britain's Bradley Wiggins masterfully fended off the challenges of his rivals to retain the Tour de France yellow jersey into the Alps yesterday. The 194.5km 10th stage from Macon to Bellegarde sur Valserine went to France's Thomas Voeckler, part of a breakaway which stayed in front on the three climbs of the day, including the gruelling Colombier pass 43km from the finish.
But the first out-of-category climb in this edition did not make any difference to the overall standings.
Belgium's Jurgen van den Broeck attacked three times on the way up but was easily reeled in each time by Wiggins's Sky team mates.
As expected, Italy's Vincenzo Nibali tried his luck in the descent, taking a minute off the Wiggins group on the way down before being caught in turn with 21km to go.
As a result, the Briton retained his lead of one minute 53 seconds over holder Cadel Evans of Australia while Wiggins' team mate and compatriot Chris Froome remained third, 2:07 adrift.
Nibali remained in fourth place, 2:23 off the pace.
Voeckler deserved the third Tour stage win of his career, leading the way for most of the day before outwitting Italy's Michele Scarponi and Germany's Jens Voigt in the final stretch.
The Frenchman, fourth overall last year, was also first at the top of the Colombier and seized the King of the Mountains polka-dot jersey.
Today's 148km 11th stage finishes at altitude in the ski resort of La Toussuire.
 

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