Stage 12

Bourg-de-Péage – Mende

Distance: 210.5 kilometers.

Update: This was the leaders going to work for a change and challenging rather than just clumping. Alexandre Vinokourov led the break-away that enabled Alberto Contador to attempt to take the Mende stage, something he has been successful at in the past. While picking up 10 seconds on Andy Schleck, Alberto’s goal was foiled by Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver, who won by inches with a better sprint.

That short, steep climb is well suited to Alberto, and Alexandre was in position to help him make the attempt when Andy chose not to pursue the break-away.

It’s the finish that wipes them out. This stage starts with a couple of category 3 climbs followed by a sprint. Then there is a category 2 climb, a category 3 climb, and another sprint. Since that isn’t enough, you end with a 3 kilometer category 3 that rises at 10% or better to face a 2 kilometer sprint to the finish.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 53h 43m 46s
Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green] 167 points
Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot] 107 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Radio Shack RSH ( 021-029 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
Combative: Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 2,347.9 kilometers [1,458.9 miles] at an average speed of 40.0 kph [24.9 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 ) [Stage winner]
9 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
10 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
11 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
12 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 ) [Red numbers]
13 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
14 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
15 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
16 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
17 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

32 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
48 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot]
61 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 )
63 Geraint Thomas ( GBr – SKY – 039 )
135 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green]
148 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
150 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
159 Julian Dean ( NZl – GRM – 052 )
163 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )

Vinokourov acts as Contador’s “pilot” on the Astana team. The pilot opens the way for a top rider to get through the crowd. Mark Renshaw was Mark Cavendish’s pilot and got a bit carried away on Thursday by head-butting Julian Dean to open a path. Renshaw was thrown out of the race and fined for his actions.

While Julian Dean is still in the race, the rider he piloted for, Tyler Farrar, has withdrawn.