The Tour de France

STAGE 2 - Les Essarts

2011-07-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

Stage 2 - Les Essarts Les Essarts 23 km

Les Essarts

• Stage town on one previous occasion
• 5, 054 inhabitants
• Cantonal subdivision of Vendée (85)

At the heart of the Vendée, Les Essarts is both the principal town of the Les Essarts canton and the seat of the community of the Pays des Essarts municipalities, situated at the crossroads of the A83 running from Nantes to Niort and the A87 between Paris and La Roche-sur-Yon. A number of monuments and places of interest have been preserved from its rich history: the twelfth-century chateau with its Saracen tower, Saint Peter’s church, reconstructed in the nineteenth century on the site of the ruins of the twelfth century Roman church, and the twelfth-century Roman crypt, which still stands. Built in 1182, it retains its magnificent archways and pillars of the time. This tight community is nevertheless busy and diverse: 90 clubs or societies cater for everyone – from sport to culture to leisure to welfare. Culture, in particular, is given priority: Les Essarts boasts a library, schools, a private college and a public college set for completion in 2013. In addition, thanks to an exchange programme, Les Essarts is twinned with the English town of Bicester, near Oxford, and Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, near Cologne, in Germany, helping to cultivate its openness and sense of belonging to Europe.

The peloton of the Tour will continue to progress along the roads of Vendee which are symbolic of cycling. The visits of the Grande Boucle (Big Loop) are frequent there, and it was precisely after a stage finish in Les Essarts that the 2005 Tour left the department. Tom Boonen got ahead of Thor Hushovd in the sprint, and then did so again the next day in Tours, which is also a region of sprinters. Another kind of high speed display will be provided on the daily circuit with a team time-trial focusing on aesthetics and performance.

Stage 1 - Passage du Gois Mont des Alouettes

2011-04-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

Stage 1 - Passage du Gois Mont des Alouettes 191 km

Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts

• Stage site for the first time
• A tidal causeway linking the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier in Vendée (85)

The Tour first visited this truly unique route in 1999. It is a reminder that vigilance is essential from the very beginning of the race for those aspire to win it. Alex Zülle lost more than six minutes there in a mass fall. But this time, the cyclists will only ride on the Passage du Gois as part of the official ceremony to mark the start of the race. In 2005, the bridge was used to link the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier, in an individual time-trial that allowed the very young David Zabriskie, 20 years old, to put on the Yellow Jersey for his first day on the Tour de France.

Mont des Alouettes Les Herbiers

• Stage site for the first time
• The summit (232m) of Vendée (85) near the cantonal subdivision of Les Herbiers (15, 500 inhabitants)

This place made a name for itself in history due to its decisive role in the Wars of Vendée. The commune of Herbiers has been accustomed to welcoming the best riders at the end of the cycling season for the Chrono des Nations since 1982. This time it will have the opportunity to award the first Yellow Jersey of the 2011 Tour de France. The topography of the final stretch should allow for a confrontation between sprinters and puncheurs (strong cyclists with explosive speed which they use on short, but steep gradients with sudden attacks). This 100% Vendeen route, which will pass by Chantonnay just before the stage finish, may well give ideas to Thomas Voeckler, as he was crowned the French National Road Champion there in June.

Map of the Tour de France 2011

2011-04-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

Map of the Tour de France 2011

Tour de France 2010 – Stage 16

2010-07-20T20:35:00.002-07:00

(Reuters) – France’s Pierrick Fedrigo won the 199.5-km 16th stage of the Tour de France from Bagneres de Luchon on Tuesday.
Frenchman Sandy Casar was second and Spain’s Ruben Plaza came third.
Spain’s Alberto Contador retained the overall lead.

Stage 16 Results
1 Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom - 5:31:43
2 Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux
3 Ruben Plaza Molina (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
4 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
5 Christopher Horner (USA) Team Radioshack
6 Lance Armstrong (USA) Team Radioshack
7 Jurgen Van De Walle (Bel) Quick Step
8 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Caisse d’Epargne
9 Carlos Barredo Llamazales (Spa) Quick Step - 0:00:28
10 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team - 0:06:45
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 15

2010-07-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) – A chain malfunction in the last climb of the 187.5-kms 15th stage derailed Andy Schleck’s Tour de France chances and allowed rival Alberto Contador to grab the yellow jersey on Monday.
Overnight Tour leader Schleck had just started to attack defending champion Contador on the grueling Port de Bales climb, 25 kms from the finish line in Bagneres de Luchon, when he was stopped short as his chain came off.

Stage 15 Results
1 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom - 4:44:51
2 Alessandro Ballan (Ita) BMC Racing Team - 0:01:20
3 Aitor Perez Arrieta (Spa) Footon-Servetto
4 Lloyd Mondory (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:02:50
5 Luke Roberts (Aus) Team Milram
6 Francesco Reda (Ita) Quick Step
7 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
8 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi
9 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
10 Brian Vandborg (Den) Liquigas-Doimo
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 14

2010-07-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – France’s Christophe Riblon captured Stage 14 of the 2010 Tour de France, but Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck was able to stay with defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain as cycling’s most prestigious event reached the Pyrenees.
Riblon finished the 184.5-kilometer trek from Revel to Ax 3 Domaines in a time of four hours, 52 minutes and 42 seconds to claim his first career stage win.

Stage 14 Results
1 Christophe Riblon (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 4:52:42
2 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:00:54
3 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi
4 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:01:08
5 Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha
6 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank
7 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
8 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
9 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini - 0:01:49
10 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 13

2010-07-20T20:33:00.003-07:00

(Reuters) – Kazakh Alexandre Vinokourov won the 13th stage of the Tour de France, a 196-km ride from Rodez on Saturday.
Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

Stage 13 Results
1 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana – 4:26:26
2 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC – Columbia - 0:00:13
3 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
4 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team
5 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
6 Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin – Transitions
7 Anthony Geslin (Fra) Française des Jeux
8 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
9 Grega Bole (Slo) Lampre-Farnese Vini
10 Lloyd Mondory (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 12

2010-07-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – Defending champion Alberto Contador warned Tour de France race leader Andy Schleck what to expect in the Pyrenees stages with a blistering attack on one of his favourite climbs in Mende on Friday.
Contador was beaten on the finish line of the 12th stage by fellow Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez but his move in the last two kilometres allowed him to take 10 seconds off Schleck, whom he now trails by 31 seconds in the overall standings.

Stage 12 Results
1 Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 4:58:26
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana – 0:00:04
4 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto – 0:00:10
5 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
6 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi
7 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Team Radioshack
8 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
9 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:00:15
10 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 11

2010-07-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) – Sprinter Mark Cavendish’s 13th Tour de France victory of his career on Thursday was not his luckiest as close aide Mark Renshaw was disqualified over a head-butting incident.
HTC-Columbia rider Renshaw led in the final stretch when New Zealand’s Julian Dean, working for sprinter Tyler Farrar, tried to block his way.

Stage 11 Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC – Columbia - 4:42:29
2 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin – Transitions
4 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
5 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
6 Yukiya Arashiro (Jpn) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
8 Lloyd Mondory (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
9 Jurgen Roelandts (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
10 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 10

2010-07-15T01:23:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – Sergio Paulinho gave Lance Armstrong’s team RadioShack their first victory in the Tour de France when he won the 179-km 10th stage in Gap on Wednesday.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist was also the first Portuguese to win an individual Tour stage in 21 years and only the fourth rider from his country to do so.

Stage 10 Results
1 Sergio Paulinho (Por) Team Radioshack - 5:10:56
2 Vasili Kiryienka (Blr) Caisse d’Epargne
3 Dries Devenyns (Bel) Quick Step - 0:01:29
4 Pierre Rolland (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
5 Mario Aerts (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:01:33
6 Maxime Bouet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:03:20
7 Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:12:58
8 Rémi Pauriol (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit en Ligne - 0:13:57
9 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC – Columbia - 0:14:19
10 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 9

2010-07-15T01:22:00.001-07:00

Sandy Casar won stage nine of the Tour de France Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne but Andy Schleck is the new race leader.
Andy Schleck seized the Tour de France reins after joining forces with defending champion Alberto Contador in a hard, 204.5-km Alpine stage in which most of the other favorites dropped out of contention.
Australian Cadel Evans, the race leader at the start of Tuesday, was unable to stay in contact because of a fractured elbow suffered in a crash in the previous stage on Sunday.

Stage 9 Results
1 Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux - 5:38:10
2 Luis León Sánchez Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
3 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
4 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Caisse d’Epargne - 0:00:02
5 Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
6 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
7 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
8 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi - 0:00:52
9 Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:02:07
10 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 8

2010-07-12T20:30:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – While an ageing Lance Armstrong was losing ground in the Tour de France on Sunday, Andy Schleck was coming of age with his first stage win.
The 25-year-old climber from Luxembourg, runner-up to Alberto Contador last year, won the 189-km eighth stage in the ski resort of Avoriaz, his first win in the world’s greatest cycling race.

Stage 8 Results
1 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 4:54:11
2 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi
3 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:00:10
4 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo
5 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
6 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
7 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
8 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack
9 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
10 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 7

2010-07-12T20:29:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – For the second time in a week, Sylvain Chavanel capitalized on his rivals’ missteps to seize the overall lead of the Tour de France on Saturday.
While the leading contenders spent much of the 165.5-kms seventh stage watching one another, Chavanel negotiated the Tour’s first real climbs and attacked at the right time to secure his second stage victory and the third of his career.

Stage 7 Results
1. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step - 4:22:52
2. Rafael Valls Ferri (Spa) Footon-Servetto - 0:00:57
3. Juan Manuel Gárate Cepa (Spa) Rabobank - 0:01:27
4. Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom - 0:01:40
5. Mathieu Perget (Fra) Caisse d’Epargne
6. Daniel Moreno Fernandez (Spa) Omega Pharma-Lotto
7. Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom - 0:01:47
8. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin – Transitions
9. Ruben Plaza Molina (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
10. Eros Capecchi (Ita) Footon-Servetto
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 6

2010-07-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) – Mark Cavendish left his tears behind and was all smiles as he powered to his second sprint victory in succession in the longest stage of the Tour de France in Gueugnon on Friday.
The Briton, in tears in Montargis after his first stage victory on this Tour, made the best of the Team Columbia train to win ahead of American Tyler Farrar and Italy’s Alessandro Petacchi.

Stage 6 Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC – Columbia - 5:37:42
2 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin – Transitions
3 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
4 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
5 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram
6 Sébastien Turgot (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
7 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
8 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team
9 Robert Hunter (RSA) Garmin – Transitions
10 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 5

2010-07-09T16:34:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – Mark Cavendish burst into tears and broke down on the podium as weeks and months of tension were finally released by victory in the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Thursday.
The Briton, winner of six stages last year, has endured a difficult start to both the Tour and the season, tarnished by self-doubt, controversies, crashes and two-finger salutes.

Stage 5 Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team HTC – Columbia - 4:30:50
2 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram
3 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team
4 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
5 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
6 Sébastien Turgot (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
7 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
8 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini
9 Lloyd Mondory (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
10 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin – Transitions
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 4

2010-07-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

(AP) REIMS, France — Alessandro Petacchi has won the fourth stage of the Tour de France in a mass sprint with Lance Armstrong and other contenders finishing in the pack.
The Italian collected his second stage win this year in the mostly flat 95.4-mile ride from Cambrai to the champagne capital Reims on Wednesday.

Stage 4 Results
1 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini - 3:34:55
2 Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin – Transitions
3 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team
4 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
5 Robert Hunter (RSA) Garmin – Transitions
6 Sébastien Turgot (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
7 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
8 Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
9 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
10 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 3

2010-07-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) – Norway’s Thor Hushovd set the record straight by winning the 213-km third stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday as defending champion Alberto Contador and seven-times winner Lance Armstrong lost ground.

Stage 3 Results
1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team - 4:49:38
2 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team
3 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
4 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin – Transitions
5 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
6 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank
7 Johan Van Summeren (Bel) Garmin – Transitions - 0:00:53
8 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team
9 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
10 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 2

2010-07-06T17:27:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – France’s Sylvain Chavanel broke almost from the starting gun to win a rain-soaked second stage of the Tour de France in which most of the favorites crashed.
Chavanel, 31, attacked after 11 kilometers in the 201-kms ride, was joined by seven other riders and finally broke on his own to snatch his second Tour stage victory after a previous one in 2008 in Montlucon.

Stage 2 Results
1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step - 4:40:48
2 Maxime Bouet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:03:56
3 Fabian Wegmann (Ger) Team Milram
4 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
5 Christian Knees (Ger) Team Milram
6 Jurgen Roelandts (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
8 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) Team Milram
9 Matthieu Ladagnous (Fra) Française des Jeux
10 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Team HTC – Columbia
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Tour de France 2010 – Stage 1

2010-07-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) – Alessandro Petacchi used patience and experience to get through a crash-filled first stage of the Tour de France and snatch his first sprint victory on the race for seven years.
The last 2.5 kilometers of the 223.5-km ride to Brussels descended into mayhem with many of the favorites involved in crashes.

Stage 1 Results
1 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini - 5:09:38
2 Mark Renshaw (Aus) Team HTC – Columbia
3 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
4 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Team Katusha
5 Matthieu Ladagnous (Fra) Française des Jeux
6 Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
7 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
8 Christian Knees (Ger) Team Milram
9 Ruben Perez Moreno (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi
10 Jurgen Roelandts (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
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Tour de France 2010 – Prologue Results

2010-07-06T17:03:00.001-07:00

(Reuters) – The Tour de France began on Saturday in a near carbon copy of last year’s edition, with the victory of Fabian Cancellara in the prologue and the promise of a showdown between Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong.
Switzerland’s Cancellara is the time-trial world and Olympic champion — the best active prologue specialist in the peloton — and he made a point of clocking a perfect time of 10 minutes on the 8.9-km of slippery roads in Rotterdam. – Read more from Reuters….

Prologue Results
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank - 0:10:00
2 Tony Martin (Ger) Team HTC – Columbia - 0:00:10
3 David Millar (GBr) Garmin – Transitions - 0:00:20
4 Lance Armstrong (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:00:22
5 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team - 0:00:23
6 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 0:00:27
7 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin – Transitions - 0:00:28
8 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack
9 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team - 0:00:32
10 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) Team Milram - 0:00:35
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 21 Final Results - Alberto Contador Wins his Second Tour de France, Cavendish Crushes the Sprint to get his Sixth Stage Wi

2009-09-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Astana’s Alberto Contador of Spain picked up his second Tour de France win today as Mark Cavendish the Brit from Team Columbia - HTC crushed the sprint to win his 6th stage of the tour.
Lance Armstrong who announced he will be riding for new American team, RadioShack next year finished on the podium as well in third place.

Stage 21 Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia - HTC - 4:02:18
2 Mark Renshaw (Aus) Team Columbia - HTC
3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
4 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram
5 Yauheni Hutarovich (Blr) Française des Jeux
6 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
7 Jose Joaquin Rojas Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne
8 Marco Bandiera (Ita) Lampre - NGC
9 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Liquigas
10 William Bonnet (Fra) BBOX Bouygues Telecom

Final General classification
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 85:48:35
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:24
4 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:06:01
5 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:06:04
6 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana 0:06:42
7 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 0:07:35
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:12:04
9 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas - 0:14:16
10 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:14:25

Full results here..

Tour de France 2009 - Stage 20 Results - Garate Stays Away to Win Stage, Contador One Stage away from Tour win

2009-09-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Alberto Contador is within a stage of winning his second Tour de France as the much anticipated Mont Ventoux stage failed to shake up the GC standings. Tried as they may, the Schleck brothers launched attack after attack, but were not able to shake the rest of the GC contenders.
For Rabobank, Juan Manuel Garate was able to win the penultimate stage 20, staying away with an early break and finishing ahead of Tony Martin for the win. Andy Schleck and the GC leaders finished 38 seconds afterwards.

Stage 20 Results
1 Juan Manuel Garate Cepa (Spa) Rabobank - 4:39:21
2 Tony Martin (Ger) Team Columbia - HTC - 0:00:03
3 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:38
4 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
5 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:00:41
6 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:43
7 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas - 0:00:46
8 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas - 0:00:56
9 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:00:58
10 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:01:03

General classification after stage 20
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 81:46:17
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:24
4 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:06:01
5 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:06:04
6 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:06:42
7 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:07:35
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:12:04
9 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas - 0:14:16
10 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:14:25

Full results here..

Tour de France 2009 - Stage 19 Results - Cavendish wins his 5th Stage, Contador remains in Yellow

2009-09-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Mark Cavendish of Team Highroad - HTC sprinted to his fifth stage win at this years tour, edging out Thor Hushovd and Gerald Ciolek. This stage win breaks the British record of 8 total tour stage wins, with Cavendish’s ninth career win.
Alberto Contador remains in the Maillot Jaune leading into the mountain top finish at Mont Ventoux.

Stage 19 Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia - HTC - 3:50:35
2 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
3 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram
4 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) Silence - Lotto
5 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank
6 Jérôme Pineau (Fra) Quick Step
7 Fumiyuki Beppu (Jpn) Skil-Shimano
8 Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale
9 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux
10 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Garmin - Slipstream

General classification after stage 19
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 77:06:18
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:04:11
3 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:05:21
4 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:05:36
5 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:05:38
6 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:05:59
7 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:07:15
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:10:08
9 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:12:37
10 Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:12:38

Full results here..

Tour de France 2009 - Stage 18 Results - Contador Wins Time Trial, Tour Victory in Sight

2009-09-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Overall leader Alberto Contador took a giant step towards his second Tour de France victory when he humbled the time trial specialists over 40.5-km to take the 18th stage around the lake of Annecy on Thursday.
The Spaniard, who outshone Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara by three seconds, now leads his nearest rival for final victory, Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck, by four minutes and 11 seconds, a comfortable gap three days before the finish in Paris.
Lance Armstrong, who announced he will be riding for a new American team, backed by RadioShack in 2010 is in third place and may podium.

Stage 18 Results
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 0:48:31
2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:03
3 Mikhail Ignatiev (Rus) Team Katusha - 0:00:15
4 Gustav Erik Larsson (Swe) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:32
5 David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:00:40
6 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:00:42
7 Luis León Sánchez Gil (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne - 0:00:43
8 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Agritubel - 0:00:45
9 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:00:53
10 David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:01:01
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 17 Results - Frank Schleck Wins Stage, Contador extends lead

2009-09-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

As expected, Saxo Bank took to the hills today to hopefully deliver their GC hopeful Andy Schleck into a podium spot and ride they did. Frank Schleck paced his younger brother, Andy Schleck, up the final climbs shedding all other contenders. With only Alberto Contador able to hang with the pace, the elder Schleck took the stage win and with that put the two Schleck brothers in second and third respectively.

Stage 17 Results
1 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 4:53:54
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
4 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 0:02:18
5 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana
6 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana 0:02:27
7 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream - 0:03:07
8 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Agritubel - 0:04:09
9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
10 Rémi Pauriol (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit en Ligne - 0:06:10
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 16 Results - Mikel Astarloza Wins the stage, Contador remains in Yellow

2009-09-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Mikel Astarloza of Euskaltel Euskadi timed his sprint just right to break away from his group and take the win at stage 16 of this year’s Tour de France. Accelerating away from Sandy Casar and Pierrick Fedrigo who ended up second and third. Nicolas Roche ended up fourth, not too far behind.
Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong finished the stage together and remain first and second.
Near the finish, Jens Voigt of Saxo Bank crashed unexpectedly and was taken away by ambulance to a local hospital. It’s unclear what caused the accident.

Stage 16 Results
1 Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 4:14:20
2 Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux - 0:00:06
3 Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) BBOX Bouygues Telecom
4 Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Silence - Lotto
6 Amaël Moinard (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit en Ligne
7 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas - 0:00:11
8 Stéphane Goubert (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
9 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Agritubel - 0:00:59
10 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 15 Results - Alberto Contador rides into Yellow with Stage win

2009-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Alberto Contador of Astana rode away from all the contenders today to win the stage and take hold of the Maillot Jaune. Teammate Lance Armstrong climbed to second overall, but admitted that it was time to work for Contador.
The stage into Verbier was expected to shake up the standings and end Rinaldo Nocentini’s run in yellow.

Stage 15 Results
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana - 5:03:58
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:43
3 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas - 0:01:03
4 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:01:06
5 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Cervelo TestTeam
7 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto - 0:01:26
8 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana - 0:01:29
9 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana - 0:01:35
10 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia - HTC - 0:01:55
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 14 Results - Serguei Ivanov Solos to Victory, Nocentini holds onto Yellow

2009-09-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Serguei Ivanov of Team Katusha broke away from a 13 man group of breakaway riders to solo to his second ever tour stage win. American George Hincapie looked as though he all but had the yellow jersey, but missed out on the jersey by only 5 seconds when the peloton ramped up the pace near end of the stage.

Stage 14 Results
1 Serguei Ivanov (Rus) Team Katusha - 4:37:46
2 Nicolas Roche (Irl) AG2R La Mondiale - 0:00:16
3 Hayden Roulston (NZl) Cervelo TestTeam
4 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Garmin - Slipstream
5 Sébastien Minard (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit en Ligne
6 Daniele Righi (Ita) Lampre - NGC
7 Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Française des Jeux
8 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia - HTC
9 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Liquigas
10 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Milram - 0:00:22
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Tour de France 2009 - Stage 13 Results - Heinrich Haussler Solos to Stage Win as GC goes Unchanged

2009-09-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Germany’s Heinrich Haussler won the 13th stage of this year’s Tour de France with Spain’s Amets Txurruka second. Haussler came in more than four minutes ahead of Txurruka and France’s Brice Feillu, who took third.
Rinaldo Nocentini comfortably retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey as no attacks took place on the five climbs of the day. Thor Hushovd takes back the green jersey though.
Haussler had moved with six other riders after only three kilometres and he dropped them one by one to finish on his own after a 197-km ride in the rain and cold.
Astana rider Levi Leipheimer did no start the stage due to a broken wrist. Leipheimer was 1 of 4 Astana riders in the top 10 of the GC.

Stage 13 Results
1 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Cervelo Test Team -4:56:26
2 Amets Txurruka (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:04:11
3 Brice Feillu (Fra) Agritubel - 0:06:13
4 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step - 0:06:31
5 Peter Velits (Svk) Team Milram - 0:06:43
6 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
7 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale
8 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
9 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia - HTC
10 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank

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Team: Cervelo Test Team

2009-07-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

Team: Cervelo Test Team
Bikes: Cervelo S3 (R3 SL for Sastre) TT: Cervelo P4
Info: The team name may have changed, but the winning formula that delivered Carlos Sastre to the 2008 yellow jersey is back with the same recipe for success. Team riders will be racing Cervelo's S3 with its slippery aero frame. The only exception is Sastre who prefers the R3 SL. All team riders use stock off the shelf Cervelo frames so the 51cm R3 SL that's under Sastre is exactly what you can buy in shops. The P4 will be under riders for TT stages and they'll likely rely on Zipp's 900 or Sub-9 disc wheel in the rear and 808 or 1080 in the front. Look for deep section 808 or 404 wheels on sprinter's bikes and lighter 202 or 303 on the climbing stages.

Specs: Shimano Dura Ace drivetrain, Zipp wheels, 3T bar and stem, Fizik saddles, Vittoria Evo CX tires

Team Website: cervelo.com

Team: AG2R La Mondiale

2009-07-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Team: AG2R La Mondiale
Bikes: BH G5 TT: GC Aero
Info: AG2R bike sponsor BH is debuting it new G5 at the tour and all team members will be racing the new frame. Although it follows in the G4's footsteps the G5 has little if anything in common with the old design. The G5 has visibly larger frame tubes and retains the channel on the bottom of the downtube, which now extends through the BB30 bottom bracket shell for a whopping 100 percent increase in BB stiffness over the G4. Even with the increase in stiffness, weight is down to an incredible 810 grams for a 54cm frame thanks to small touches such as slotted carbon cable stops, carbon dropouts and a full carbon front derailleur braze-on style mount. BH collaborated with Edge Composites on the G5's tapered steerer full carbon fork that weighs a scant 330 grams.

Specs: Campagnolo drivetrain, Mavic wheels, Michelin tires, FSA bar and stem, Prologo saddles

Team Website: www.cyclisme.ag2rlamondiale.fr

Team: Columbia-HTC

2009-07-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Team: Columbia-HTC
Bikes: Scott Addict R2 TT: Scott Plasma 3
Info: Team Columbia - HTC will be riding Scott's new Plasma 3 TT bike. The Plasma 3 is still in development stages and just debuted in the Giro d'Italia. Look closely and you'll see a stem that's integrated into the mainframe for a sleek and aerodynamic line across the top tube and the rear brake is now located under the chainstays and behind the bottom bracket where it's hidden from the wind. The Plasma 3 is also one of the first TT bikes to take advantage of team sponsor Shimano's electronic Di2 group and its ability to hide wires and the rear brake cable under the framework for the best aerodynamics. Shift buttons are located on the aero bar extensions and bullhorn handlebars so riders can shift from any position.

Specs: Shimano Dura Ace drivetrain, Shimano wheels, PRO handlebar and stem, Fizik saddles, Continental tires, Elite bottle cages

Team Website: highroadsports.com

Team: Saxo Bank

2009-07-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

Team: Saxo Bank
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2 (Tarmac SL3 for select riders) TT: Specialized Shiv
Info: The Bjarne Riis lead Saxo Bank team may have an ace up its sleeve in the form of two new bikes they'll be riding in this year's Tour. The team has been working with Specialized since January on an all-new time trail frame called the Shiv. Aerodynamically it has slightly less drag than the Specialized S-Works Transition head on, but in a cross wind it tests with up to 30 percent less drag. According to Specialized frame stiffness is almost that of the Tarmac SL2 road frame. Although most riders will be on the SL2, key GC and stage contenders will be on the all-new Specialized Tarmac SL3. The new frame will be hard to spot since it looks almost identical externally. But under the team paint scheme is all new carbon construction that gives the frame some impressive stats: it's torsionally 18.3 percent stiffer and 153 grams lighter than the already light and rigid SL2.

Specs: SRAM Red drivetrain, Zipp wheels, Specialized stems, FSA handlebars, Tacx bottle cages

Team Website: team-saxobank.com

Team: Katusha (KAT)

2009-07-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Team: Katusha (KAT)
Bikes: Ridley Noah, Helium, TT: Dean
Info: Katusha's racers will ride either Ridley's sub-900 gram (frame) Helium, or the heavier, but more aerodynamic (Ridley boldly proclaims it, "The Fastest Bike in the World) Noah. Ridley says the sprinters will always be on the Noah and climbing specialists will ride the Helium most of the time: other riders may bounce between the two depending on the specifics of the stage. The one exception is Fillipo Pozzato who rides a Damocles PI because he requires a "very long top tube," according to Ridley. Those riders lucky enough to be current national champions, Pozzato for Italy and Ivanov for Russia, will have custom painted bikes.

Specs: Campagnolo Super Record 11 drivetrain, Campagnolo wheels, Deda bars and stems, Vredestein tires, Prologo Saddles, Elite bottles and cages, Polar computers, Look pedals

Team Website: http://www.katushateam.com

Team: Skil-Shimano (SKS)

2009-07-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Team: Skil-Shimano (SKS)
Bikes: Koga Full Pro Scandium, Full Pro 2Light TT: Full Pro Time Trial; TT spec changes: PRO disc wheel
Info: Not surprisingly, the Skil-Shimano team is slathered in Shimano products - PRO and Pearl Izumi (who has the dubious honor of being the 'Sports Shoes' sponsor; 'Race Shoes' are Shimano) are owned by Shimano - right down to their drivetrain coated with Shimano Workshop lubricants. Even the team kit and sunglasses are "Shimano" brand: though this is the work of Shimano's aggressive European subsidiary, who also started the PRO brand, and not products developed in, or necessarily endorsed by, Shimano's Sakai City home office. The team races primarily on Koga's Scandium frame, though you may see some riders on the new 2Light carbon frame. The TT frame is a team-only project, and not offered by Koga, despite the companies rich track racing history.

Specs: Road: Shimano Dura Ace drivetrain, Shimano wheels, Shimano pedals, PRO bar, stem seatpost, Selle Italia saddles, Michelin tires, Elite bottles and cages

Team Website: http://www.skilcyclingteam.com/

Team:: Astana Cycling Team

2009-07-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Team:: Astana Cycling Team
Bikes: Trek 6 Series Madone; Trek Speed Concept TT bike
The all new 2010 6 series Madone was in development before the 2008 model even came to market. It took 70 redesigns before Trek felt they had a bike ready for the Tour. The stock model with SRAM Red is 13.2 puonds including pedals and cages. Trek actually had to find creative ways to add more than 2 pounds to meet minimum UCI standards for weight. Trek improved every aspect of ride quality of the bike for 2010 and the bike Lance and Alberto ride is exactly the same as the one that people can buy in stores.

Specs: SRAM Red Group; Fork: Bontrager Race XXX Lite w/E2 full carbon steerer; OCLV2 carbon frame; Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 wheels

Team Website: http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/index.html

Team: Bbox-Bouygues Telecom

2009-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Team: Bbox-Bouygues Telecom
Bikes: Time RXR Ulteam Module. TT: The RXR Chrono
Info: The RXR Ulteam is based on the RXR Chrono time trial module, winner of the World TT championship in its debut. Thanks to high tech design tools and computer modeling, each tube has been optimized for the benefit of performance and aerodynamics. The Time-patented steerer, combined with an oversize lower bearing (always using Time specific bearing designs), guarantees total security with outstanding resistance to shock. There's a new optimized aerodynamic shape and seat height adjustability of the TransLink seat tube, as well as front derailleur height adjustability with the choice of two attachment positions. Team riders get custom geometry.

Specs: Campagnolo Record group (some riders use the Super Record, like Pierrick Fedrigo), Campagnolo wheels, FSA handlebars, Time stem, Michelin tires, Selle Italia saddles, Elite bottles and cages TT Spec changes: The RXR Crono is not available to the public, Vision handlebar and brakes

Team website: www.equipebouyguestelecom.fr/home.shtml

Team: Quickstep

2009-07-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Team: Quickstep
Bikes: Tarmac SL2 and SL3 for select riders. TT: Transition, TT and new Transition for select riders
Info: This year Specialized had three teams riding the SL2 in the Giro, including Quickstep who will get, in addition to SL2's a few of the new SL3's. SL3 was developed with an all-new manufacturing process called FACT IS which allowed Specialized to save weight yet increase stiffness compared to the 2. Besides the revised FACT IS process the SL3 has hollow dropouts and some other new frame improvements that make it the lightest frame Specialized offers.

Specs: Campagnolo Record 11, Roval wheels, FSA bars and stem, Specialized tires, some riders will have new Specialized saddles, Look pedals, Specialized bottles/cages, Polar computers. TT Spec changes: Roval Deep Star wheels

Team website: www.qsi-cycling.com/en/

Team: Caisse d'Epargne

2009-07-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Team: Caisse d'Epargne
Bikes: Pinarello Prince FP; Pinarello FM1 Montello time trial
Info: Alejandro Valverde will not take the start of the Tour, but his Caisse d'Epargne teammates will roll off the start line in Monaco aboard the FM1 Montello time trial bike. On the road, they'll use the Prince FP, a three-time winner of Editors Choice for best race bike. Both use Toray 50HM1K high-modulus carbon, and the Prince features external ribs to enhance stiffness.

Specs: Campagnolo Super Record 11 drivetrain brakes and wheels; MOst handlebar and stem; Continental tires; Selle Italia saddle

Team web site: www.cyclisme-caisse-epargne.fr

Team: Cofidis

2009-07-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Team: Cofidis
Bikes: Look 595 Origin and 595 Ultra; Look 596 time trial
Info: Look's 595 frame comes in two versions - the Origin is a more "standard" layup which balances light weight and ride quality against stiffness, while the Ultra is a sprinters' special, maximizing drivetrain stiffness for riders like Leonardo Duque. In the time trials, the riders will use the new 596, which debuted last year at the Tour. Unlike many TT bikes, which tuck the rear wheel in close to the frame, Look puts a distinct gap between the two, contending that wind-tunnel results show that when the wheels are spinning, the gap provides a cleaner exit path for airflow. The novel steering system includes a stem with adjustable height and angle to fine-tune rider position.

Specs: Campagnolo Super Record 11 drivetrain and brakes; FSA handlebar and stem; Fulcrum wheels; Vittoria tires; fi'zi:k saddle TT changes: Vision wheels

Team web site: www.equipe-cofidis.com

Team: Rabobank

2009-07-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Team: Rabobank
Bikes: Giant TCR Advanced SL Team; prototype time trial project
Info: Long sponsored by Colnago, Rabobank made the switch to Giant for 2009, picking up the redesigned TCR Advanced SL and one of the fastest TT bikes in the peloton along the way. Long a Shimano-affiliated team, some Rabobank riders will use a special edition of the TCR Advanced outfitted for the Di2 electronic group with all-internal routing for the wiring and battery pack mounts. The unnamed, prototype TT bike has been in the works for three years, but its revolutionary impact on the sport can be seen in the fact that no fewer than four other bikemakers have now adopted its ultralow, stemless handlebar attachment and external steering assembly.

Specs: Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, brakes and wheels; PRO handlebar and stem; Vittoria tires; Selle Italia saddle

Team web site: http://www.rabobank.com/content/about_
us/sponsoring/cycling/

Team: Euskaltel-Euskadi

2009-07-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Team: Euskaltel-Euskadi
Bikes: Orbea Orca; Ordu time trial
Info: Look for Euskaltel's riders to shine in the mountains, particularly the Pyrenees, where Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez and his teammates will ride hard in honor of the Basque homeland that also produces their Orbea bicycles. Although boasting a heritage as deep as Bianchi or other iconic brands, Orbea is only widely available in the U.S. the past five years. For the Tour, Euskaltel riders will be aboard the redesigned Orca, which will be introduced for the 2010 model year and feature a BB30 oversize integrated bottom bracket and a steerer tube with an oversize 1 1/2-inch lower bearing.

Specs: Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, brakes and wheels; FSA handlebar and stem; Vittoria tires; Selle Italia saddle

Team web site: fundacioneuskadi.com

Team: Garmin-Slipstream

2009-07-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

Team: Garmin-Slipstream
Bikes: Felt F1 SL, AR Team and Z1 R; DA time trial
Info: Garmin riders have access to three different road machines depending on the stage - the standard F1, the slippery aero AR or the Z1, which features more a more upright position for comfort on long days. In the time trials, they'll ride the DA, including possibly a new front end that mounts the handlebar off the top of the steerer tube rather than on a separate stem. Look for it in the Stage 1 opener in Monaco. Some of the team's riders may also use Shimano's electronic Di2 group at times.

Specs: Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain and brakes; Zipp wheels; 3T handlebar and stem; Vittoria tires; fi'zi:k saddle

Team web site: www.slipstreamsports.com

Team: Française des Jeux

2009-07-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Team: Française des Jeux
Bike: Lapierre X-lite FDJ Team
Info: The frame is a claimed 850g monocoque carbon (size 52cm). The head tube is tapered (1.5 to 1.125 in.) with an Easton EC90 fork. Construction of the frame: Lapierre says that rather than using air-filled bags inside the layup of the frame (they can wrinkle, creating brittle resin pockets), the X-Lite II frame is molded with silicone mandrels that more exactly shape the frame's interior. Complete bike weight, for a size 52cm, is 14.55 lbs. MSRP on the consumer version (Shimano 7900 Dura-Ace with Shimano 7850 clinchers and Hutchinson tubeless tires): $6,200.

Specs: Shimnao Dura-Ace DI2 component group; 7850-C24-TU tubular wheels, Hutchinson tubular tires, Shimano Pro cockpit.

Team Website: http://www.lapierrebikes.us/lapierre
/team/Francaise-des-Jeux

Team: Lampre

2009-07-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

Team: Lampre
Bikes: Wilier Triestina Cento Uno / Cento Chrono for TT
While Lampre is in the business of making rolled steel, it sponsors a team that rolls fast on Wilier's carbon monocoque frames. Wilier is a lesser-known (in the U.S.), century-old Italian cycling brand well reflected in the team's Italian squad, including current World Champion Alessandro Ballan (look for Ballan to race a custom-painted Cento Uno to reflect this status). Once again Wilier's Cento Uno (new in 2008) will be the standard steed of Lampre riders, who will race on Fulcrum Racing Zero and Racing Speed wheels with carbon rims, but will swap to metal rimmed Fulcrums on foul weather days for stronger braking. Bikes get Ritchey WCS alloy cockpits for safety (vs. carbon), not just in the case of crashes, but because transfer days can potentially involve heavy jostling in team trucks.

Specs: Campagnolo Super Record 11, Ritchey alloy WCS cockpits, Fulcrum Racing Zero/Speed wheels (racing Chrono rear wheel on the Chrono TT bike)

Team Website: http://www.lampre-ngc.com/atleti/index_U.asp

Team: Milram

2009-07-15T02:16:00.000-07:00

Team: Milram
Bikes: Focus Izalco Team Milram
Info: Focus http://www.focus-bikes.com is a bit of an unknown brand in the U.S., although now has U.S. distribution. The only difference between the bikes the team will roll at the TdF and the $11,900 (!) model Americans can buy is in the wheelset: Consumers get Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR wheels, while the team races on even more exclusive (1,150g; $5,400) Lightweight Standard III carbon tubulars with Continental tires. BTW, Bicycling reviews the Izalco Team Milram in its present (August) issue.

Specs: SRAM Red drivetrain, Fi:zi'k Arione K:IUM saddles, FSA Carbon post and bars, FSA OS 115C stem; Lightweight Standard III wheels with Conti Force / GP Attack tires.

Team Website: http://www.team-milram.com/en/

Team: Liquigas

2009-07-15T01:40:00.002-07:00

Team: Liquigas
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix HiMod; Slice HiMod (for TT) Info: The same, brand-new, 2010 SuperSix HiMod that rolled in the Giro (and we preview here) will run in the TdF as well. There will be some spec changes to the FSA cockpit components (bar, stem, seatpost, all likely 2010 rather than 2009) and multiple models of Mavic wheels, some of which may be prototype/future models as well. Riders also choose their own saddles from Fi:zi'k, including the Antares, Arione, and Aliante. Cool fact: Cannondale keeps a stock of unpainted frames to customize in case riders pedal their way into leader/KOM and or other jerseys.

Specs: Campagnolo Super Record 11-Speed; Mavic wheels (many kinds including a prototype aero model on the Slice HiMod TT); Fi:zi'k saddles, FSA cockpit components; SRM / Cannondale Si Hollowgram crankset; Schwalbe tubular tires; Speedplay pedals; Elite cages

Team Website: http://liquigas.cannondale.com