All aboard for the tough climb to Tignes |
Yesterday’s yellow jersey winner Linus Gerdemann gallantly held on |
It was Michael Rasmussen’s day however, with his sights set on the overall victory |
On the second day of racing through the beautiful Alps, Michael Rasmussen chose this tough stage to make his mark on the race. The 33-year-old won his third Tour stage victory by attacking an early breakaway 18km from the finish, leaving Iban Mayo trailing 2.47 down.
“I do not know what to say,” said Rasmussen. “The yellow jersey is a childhood dream. It is really difficult to find the right words; it is simply overwhelming.” Rasmussen has made it clear he aims to keep the yellow jersey: “Now that I am wearing it, it would be stupid not to.”
The rest of the Tour contenders trailed in over three minutes behind, consisting of Alejandro Valverde, Christophe Moreau, Frank Schleck, Cadel Evan, Andrey Kashechkin, and Alberto Contador Velasco not far behind.
Stunning stage 7 winner Linus Gerdemann failed to hold the yellow jersey, the effort expended on the day no doubt taking its toll. There was bad news for the T-Mobile team. Team leader and GC hopeful Michael Rogers crashed 54km from the finish, ending his hopes of racing to Paris. Mark Cavendish also abandoned the race.
