Wednesday, July 20, 2011

GreenBkk.com World Sport | Hushovd claims stage as Voeckler retains yellow jersey

Hushovd claims stage as Voeckler retains yellow jersey

July 19, 2011 -- Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT)


Norwegian Thor Hushovd clinched his second stage victory of the 2011 Tour de France.

(CNN) -- Norwegian Thor Hushovd clinched his second stage victory of the 2011 Tour de France on Tuesday, while Frenchman Thomas Voeckler hung on to his overall lead.

Edvald Boasson Hagen, also of Norway, came second for Sky Procycling, with Hushovd's Team Garmin colleague Ryder Hesjedal completing the top three for stage 16.

Voeckler, 32, was still at the top of the standings after the field reached the finish line in Gap, but saw his lead reduced to one minute and 45 seconds as two-time Le Tour runner-up Cadel Evans moved into second position overall.

Three-time winner and defending champion Alberto Contador also gained on Voeckler; the Spaniard crossed the line 12th and now sits in sixth position, three minutes and 42 seconds off the leader.

Brothers Frank and Andy Schleck from Luxembourg are third and fourth, with Andy, 26, struggling in the wet conditions and losing over a minute to the Australian Evans.

Voeckler admitted it had been a disappointing day and was unsure whether or not he would be able to hold onto the yellow jersey for much longer.

"Today, the beginning of the stage was very fast and that combined with the final, made it interesting," Voeckler told the Tour's official web site.

"The legs weren't so bad today but I lost a lot of time on three favorites so that means that I've possibly reached my limit. We'll see what happens from here."

Stage 17 takes place on Wednesday and will see the riders race between Gap and Pinerolo in Northern Italy.

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

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