CYRIL DESSEL’S masterly descent of the Col de la Bonette-Restefond clinched the prestigious 16th stage of the Tour de France from Cuneo to Jausiers as Frank Schleck retained the yellow jersey.

DENIS MENCHOV won the 11th stage of the Tour de France by pipping Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis in a thrilling sprint finish.

CYRIL DESSEL claimed the overall lead in the Tour de France after finishing second to Juan Miguel Mercado on stage 10 between Cambo-les-Bains and Pau.