Briton Stephen Cummings powered away on the Col d’Aspin to claim a second career stage win.
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Organisers said they are likely to take into account riders’ times at the 3km mark. “I had no time to react”, said the luckless Briton. “ORICA-BikeExchange’s Daryl Impey was second 1’05” behind, just ourtsprinting Daniel Navarro.
It meant Yates has moved up to second overall in the standings at 5 minutes and 50 seconds behind surprise leader Greg van Avermaet.
“They tried to put me in the best position at the foot of the climb”, said Pinot, who enjoyed a strong start to the season crowned by a time trial title at the French national championships last month.
“Success breeds success and Cav’s a victor”.
“We’re doing our best to make up for it”.
[On the stage to Le Lioran] it was nine of the strongest guys who got in it, previous year I tried on every occasion to get in the break and so did 150 other guys, so it’s not so easy.
“If I was the coach I would (pick me), but I’m not the selector”, he said.
“Hopefully I can stay with the GC [general classification] guys long enough and if I lose a few seconds here and there hopefully I’ll get a bit of leeway towards the end and I can chip off the front”.
Van Avermaet actually extended his overall lead; none of the serious GC contenders were willing to chase him, knowing that Saturday’s and Sunday’s stages will be exponentially more hard and decisive.
Cummings, a former Olympic silver medallist and world champion from the track in the team pursuit, then attacked on his own 27km out while the 11 others – including Van Avermaet and Nibali – formed a chase group behind.
Culture: The Pyrenees are part of Tour de France lore but the most popular sport in the Midi-Pyrenees region is rugby, which is like a religion in many villages. The eighth stage covers four passes including the Tourmalet and Peyresourde before it finishes in finishes in Bagnères-de-Luchon. Before, I had to play it strategically with the teams who had the numbers, like Cofidis and Cannondale with three riders, Astana with two… Everyone wants to wear this jersey once in his life. “We know that from a witness who was there and who talked to the police”.
Another British cyclist, Steve Cummings had safely passed under it before the arch felt down, winning the stage.
“But now there is no pressure because the team has already been so successful”.
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“If you can have an extra day in yellow, you go for it”.
