Evans seizes Tour control

[Kolesar]

Source: AP - Boston Globe

GRENOBLE, France - Cadel Evans seized the Tour de France yellow jersey in the next-to-last stage yesterday, all but giving Australia its first victory in cycling’s showpiece event and capping one of the more dramatic races in years.

The two-time runner-up took the overall lead by overcoming a 57-second deficit to Andy Schleck of Luxembourg in the time trial.

A red-eyed Evans choked up on the victory podium, holding back tears before hurling the winner’s bouquet into the crowd.

“I really can’t quite believe it right now,’’ the 34-year-old Aussie said. “I have been concentrating on one event for so long.’’

Although there is one more stage - today’s ceremonial finish along the Champs-Elysees in Paris - the leader after the time trial is almost certain to be the winner. Launching a successful attack during that flat ride is virtually impossible.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/cycling/articles/2011/07/24/cadel_evans_closes_in_on_historic_tour_de_france_win/

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Two brothers from Luxembourg took second and third place: Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck (team Leopard-Trek). Cadel Evans raced on BMC Racing Team.

Team Radioshack is 11/22 behind at 1hr 52min 31s

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Although there is one more stage - today’s ceremonial finish along the Champs-Elysees in Paris - the leader after the time trial is almost certain to be the winner. Launching a successful attack during that flat ride is virtually impossible.

[BiggJawn]

1. Attacking the Yellow Jersey on the parade into Paris is considered...

... the worst of bad form. It's beyond Gauche. It simply isn't done.

I wouldn't mind seeing some jostling down the ranks to get Voeckler on the podium, though.

[Baclava]

3. It'll be the Aussie and the Schleck brothers on the podium

Awesome last two days in the Alps. A memorable race that started out as Le Tour de Crash. Lots of big names crashed out early.

Andy Schleck took over the yellow jersey climbing the Alpe d'Huez and took a 57 sec lead going into the individual time trials.

Cadel Evans won it all back from him the next day and headed to Paris wearing yellow. Voeckler cracked on the last mountain stage.


*It's official...Evans, Andy, Frank

1. EVANS Cadel 141 BMC RACING TEAM 86h 12' 22"
2. SCHLECK Andy 11 TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 86h 13' 56" + 01' 34"
3. SCHLECK Frank 18 TEAM LEOPARD-TREK 86h 14' 52" + 02' 30"
4. VOECKLER Thomas 181 TEAM EUROPCAR 86h 15' 42" + 03' 20"
5. CONTADOR Alberto 1 SAXO BANK SUNGARD 86h 16' 19" + 03' 57"
6. SANCHEZ Samuel 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 86h 17' 17" + 04' 55"

[BiggJawn]

2. Did anybody see "Der Teufel" this year?

I didn't see or hear about Didi being on the tour this year.