Eleven days after injuring both knees in an accident, Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan celebrated his 15th stage win of the 94th Tour de France on Monday.
The Kazakh, marshaled on the 196-kilometre ride from Foix to Loudenvielle-Le Louron, his fifth tour stage win and the second this year clocking five hrs, thirty-four minutes and twenty-eight seconds.
Delighted Vinokourov said, ‘I wasn’t motivated yesterday, but the team told me I could still win stages. I gave my all.’
Dropped by Denmark’s national team four days ago, the overall leader Rasmussen probably sensing this year’s win to become the first Danish winner since 1996 champion Bjarne Riis, whose name was blacklisted after he confessed of taking stamina enhancing drugs.
Perhaps, Rasmussen is determined this time, despite his tough fight with the team Discovery’s Contador in the last two stages. Adressing a news conference, he said, ‘I have trained for the Tour since October and I have no intention of giving up now.’
Kim Kirchen of Luxembourg and Haimar Zubeldia of Spain both trailed Vinokourov by 51 seconds.
While Rasmussen and the winner of yesterday’s trek, Alberto Contador finished five minutes and thirty-one seconds behind the leader.
In the overall tally Contador along with Cadel Evans are placed on the second and the third spot, respectively.
Today being the second rest day, the race will resume for four formidable climbs and a finish at the summit of the Col d’Aubisque. The leaders will have a chance to confirm their domination and move up the ladder.
Via: CBC
