French rider Dessel descends to victory

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.

The Agr-La Mondiale rider broke away from the leading group alongside Sandy Casar, Yaroslav Popovych and David Arroyo, who descended together from the highest peak in Tour history.

Dessel made his move 800 metres from the finish, and held his lead through a final right-hander 80m from the finish to take his first stage win in a Grand Tour, ahead of Casar, Popovych and Arroyo.